After Bollywood, Comedian, Journalism India’s #MeToo movement reached the film industry in the south. Lyricist Vairamuthu being accused of sexual harassment by several women. Journalist Sandhya Menon first shared instances involving sexual harassment to call out harassers through their social media accounts.
Read: All the names who joined list of Shame
I was 18. I had to work with him for a project, and he seemed nice. I respected him as he is a legend, famous poet, national award winner. In the pretext of explaining lyrics, he came to me, hugged me and kissed me. I did not know what to do. I said OK sir, thank you and ran from his house. —The woman who chose to stay anonymous recalled.
On lyricist Vairamuthu pic.twitter.com/c6DwYWOO6C
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) October 8, 2018
Chinmayi too shared this on Twitter and wrote, The industry knows; the men know. #TimesUp. The time is bloody up. This has happened to multiple people — Chinmayi said in an interview.
Another allegation — He is a Predator. I was hardly 18/19 years old. When in the pretext of appreciating my work called me to his office. But soon I entered the locked the door behind him and tried to touch me. I made an excuse and ran away.
One more allegation against Vairamuthu pic.twitter.com/DuRjsq0276
— Sandhya Menon (@TheRestlessQuil) October 9, 2018
One more on Vairamuthu — He ordered buttermilk for me. When I started drinking, he said a little bit is still on my lips. He came closer, and he almost kissed. I ran away grabbing my phone and bag. Later warned all my friends.
From the girl’s hostel owned by the poet — My friend lives in Vairamuthu Hostel in Kodambakkam, and a lot of girls told stories of him trying to exploit them.
From the girl’s hostel owned by the poet. pic.twitter.com/P9hykBUHJM
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) October 9, 2018
Several cases of Sexual Harassment already came in light against the Lyricist Vairamuthu. More stories may be coming out.
I stand by this.
More stories are coming from women terrified to say who they are. https://t.co/6nSB1q3yO9
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) October 9, 2018
Most of the south film industry remained silent, but few of them spoke out against Vairamuthu.
It’s alarming to hear the number of #metoo stories.They say it’s better late than never.Thank you to all the women that r being so strong to come out with their stories I stood up last year #metoo I urge every woman affected to stand up,we need to fight for our rights #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/5EgWmTTCxL
— varu sarathkumar (@varusarath) October 9, 2018
I *will* sing the songs that I have sung in his lyrics so far.
Dheivam Thanda Poove, Sara Sara, Mayya are some of my finest songs that display MY singing prowess in some composer’s fantastic work.
Anyway I am sure *HE* will make sure I dont sing anymore. https://t.co/IbGP5iorlD— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) October 8, 2018
.@Chinmayi I am an actor and a director. And I stand with you. I will continue to work with you. And there’s nothing @vairamuthu can do to stop that.
— Rahul Ravindran (@23_rahulr) October 9, 2018
