Parvathy criticised the resigning members for avoiding accountability and media scrutiny, and placing the responsibility on women to continue the conversation and debates.
Published Aug 29, 2024 | 2:47 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 29, 2024 | 6:01 PM
Parvathy Thiruvothu. (X)
Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu strongly criticised the mass resignation of the Mohanlal-led executive panel of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in response to the sexual harassment report.
She mentioned she resigned from the association because dissenting voices were not tolerated.
In an interview with Barkha Dutt’s Mojo Story, Parvathy described her initial reaction to the resignation of the governing body as one of shock, calling it “cowardly.”
She criticised the resigning members for avoiding accountability and media scrutiny, placing the responsibility on women to continue the conversation and debates.
The actor expressed that she wasn’t surprised by the mass resignation, saying, “Having been part of AMMA before, I’ve seen how they operate. I resigned from the association for a reason. Instead of offering support, their first response is to cover up and then attack the women coming forward. Society is seeing them for who they are.”
Parvathy took a dig at the executive committee for not demonstrating any intention to work with the government and stakeholders to address the issue.
She noted that this is the same committee that welcomed the prime accused, Dileep, during the ongoing sexual assault case and previously denied the existence of such problems until the allegations emerged.
Parvathy revealed that AMMA operates in a fear-driven environment where members are afraid to speak up for their rights.
She pointed out, “AMMA has a large membership, and it would benefit from improved leadership at this time. Perhaps this disruption will be beneficial for the association. I stand with the AMMA members, who deserve better for the fee they’ve paid. The atmosphere is fear-driven and authoritarian, making it difficult to advocate for one’s rights.”
The Thangalaan actor believes that women are unfairly burdened with responsibility for issues not of their making.
“The government’s response was careless, suggesting that women should file an FIR and name their accusers. The burden is placed on women to expose and endure the fallout. My question is, what evidence of justice is provided to justify this demand? Once we name and shame, our careers, personal lives, legal expenses, and mental health are disregarded.”
Parvathy questioned when men will hold each other accountable, asking, “When will they call each other out within their communities? They are part of the problem. I deeply respect the women who are speaking out, and the Women in Cinema Collective supports them. However, it is unfortunate that they were forced into this position when the Hema Committee report should have been acted upon long ago. Justice has already been delayed.”
On 27 August, the top governing body of AMMA, led by Mohanlal, resigned following the release of the Hema Committee report. The report exposed widespread issues including sexual harassment, casting couch practices, lobbying, pay disparities, and systemic problems.
In the wake of the report, several women shared their experiences, leading to accusations of sexual misconduct against executive members Siddique, Baburaj, and Jeyan.
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