#MeToo: Anu Malik steps down as Indian Idol judge after sexual harassment allegations

Music composer Anu Malik has reportedly quit the jury panel of singing reality show, Indian Idol after being accused of sexual harassment by multiple women amid the #MeToo movement in India.

A statement from Sony Entertainment Television said that a replacement will be found for him who will join the other two judges on the show, Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar.

The statement read: “Anu Malik is no longer a part of Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule & we’ll invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10.” 

Malik himself shared a statement saying he is taking a break from the show.

 “I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work on the show. The channel has been kind to agree for the same. Thank you,” Malik said in a statement.

After singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accused Malik of sexual harassment, two budding singers came up with similar allegations.

Shweta, in her post said that she was just 15 when Malik made her uncomfortable by asking to kiss him. “Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up - its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik & let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo. Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him & supporting this,” she had tweeted.

On the other hand, Sona Mahapatra, in an Instagram post wrote, “To all the young girls & women who are coming out with their experiences with this creep, journalists, ‘fans’ & even kids from college, know that you are not alone. This guy, #KailashKher is a serial predator & has been for years as are many others like Anu Malik in the industry. I cannot be tweeting about everyone cus I work 18 hour work days & have a life to live & breathe in.”