The actor-politician said Minu Muneer blackmailed her for money and made these accusations to milk the situation.
Published Aug 27, 2024 | 6:34 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2024 | 6:34 PM
Actor-politician Mukesh dismisses sexual harassment allegations by Minu Muneer. (Facebook)
Malayalam actor-politician Mukesh has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations made against him by Minu Muneer. On Tuesday, 27 August, he also issued a statement on social media saying he never sexually assaulted the woman as claimed by her.
In his statement, Mukesh welcomed an in-depth investigation into the allegations made against several filmmakers in the Malayalam industry, including himself. He said, “The truth should come out and I will face it legally.”
Mukesh, who is an MLA from the Kollam constituency, stated that a factual and transparent investigation was essential in these accusations so the public knows the reality.
“I have a responsibility to the public not only as an actor but also as a people’s representative. Having been born into a family that is into drama, I understand the pain and anxiety of those in the art field. My mother, who started acting at the age of 14, continues to act even at the age of 87,” he said.
Referring to the #MeToo allegations, the actor-politician stated that the political drama started in 2018. As regards the sexual harassment allegations made by Minu Muneer, Mukesh said in 2009, a woman contacted him introducing herself as a person who needed an opportunity in cinema.
“She contacted me over the phone and introduced herself as Minu Kurian. She visited my house with a photo album for a personal meeting,” his statement read.
It further added, “The woman sought my help in finding roles in films. However, she said she would keep trying for opportunities herself. Later, she sent me a message praising my decent behaviour during our meeting.”
“At that time, she never expressed any dislike towards me or pointed out any issues in my behaviour. Then, she was out of contact for several years. In 2022, she contacted me again while introducing herself as Minu Muneer and sought huge financial help. When I expressed my helplessness, she said she needed at least ₹1 lakh,” Mukesh’s statement read.
“She continually messaged me on WhatsApp to arrange for ₹1 lakh, which I refused to do. Later, the woman messaged me saying she approached people from a particular community to intervene in the matter since I hadn’t arranged the money. A few days later, another person called me claiming to be her husband and demanded a huge amount,” the statement added.
Mukesh said Minu Muneer and her group constantly blackmailed him for money. The woman accused him of sexual abuse only to milk the current situation. “I’m disclosing this now based on the messages she’d sent me in the past. I am not a womaniser,” he asserted.
Further, Mukesh announced that he wouldn’t succumb to their blackmailing tactics and would rather let the truth come out.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
