‘Decided to move on…’: Actor Jayasurya on sexual harassment allegations

Actor Jayasurya has broken his silence on the two sexual harassment allegations against him and said he has decided to move on “legally”. Jayasurya dismissed all the allegations of sexual harassment and called them lies. “False allegations are easy to make for anyone who has no conscience.”

In an Instagram post, Jayasurya wrote: “To everyone who wished me a happy birthday today, to everyone who supports me and stays with me, thank you. Due to my personal commitments, my family and I have been in America for the past month and during that time, two false allegations of sexual harassment were made against me. It has of course devastated me, my family and everyone who has been dear to me.”

Also read: Kerala Police register FIRs against actors Mukesh, Jayasurya amid row with Hema committee

“I have decided to pursue this legally. My legal team will handle the rest of the proceedings regarding this case. False accusations are easy to make for anyone who has no conscience. I just hope that people realize that facing a false accusation of harassment is as painful as the harassment itself,” he noted.

He continued: “A lie always travels faster than the truth, but I believe that the truth will prevail. I will be back as soon as I finish my work here. All legal procedures to prove my innocence will continue. I have full confidence in our justice system. Thanks to those who contributed to making this anniversary the most painful one. Let those who have not sinned throw stones; but only at those who have.”

After the publication of the Hema Committee report, many artists from the Malayalam film industry came forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Sonia Malhar, who filed a complaint of sexual harassment against actor Jayasurya, recently shared details about the alleged incident, ANNI- reported.

Also read: Hema Commission Report Reveals Exploitation in Malayalam Film Industry; Women Forced to Provide Sexual Favours to Get Work

While talking to the media, Malhar said, “It was the shooting location of the Malayalam film Pigman in Thodupuzha. When I came out of the toilet, someone grabbed me. It was actor Jayasurya. I pushed him away. He apologised and told me that he would not repeat it and that we should remain friends.”

Also read: Malayalam film industry faces Me Too storm: Second sexual abuse case filed against actor Jayasurya

Malhar also spoke about the criticism she received after sharing her experience publicly.

“After the Hema committee report came out, I was in a channel for discussion. The presenter asked me if I had experienced something like that. I explained it on the radio. Later, I was heavily criticized on social media, with people saying that my accusations were fake and wondering why I had remained silent for so long. Some even accused me of doing it for money,” she said.

An FIR was filed against actor Jayasurya on Friday following a complaint, Kerala police said ANNI- that the second FIR against Jayasurya was registered under sections 354, 354A(A1)(I) and 354D of the IPC.

The case, which was initially registered in Thiruvananthapuram, will be transferred to Thodupuzha police station after the statement of the complainant is recorded.

Also Read: #MeToo in Malayalam Film Industry: Male Actor Files Complaint Against Ranjith; Evidence Found Against Siddique & More

Earlier on August 28, an FIR was registered against actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh M based on a complaint filed by actress Minu Muneer. Kerala Police confirmed to ANI that the FIR was filed against Mukesh, an MLA from Kollam, following allegations made by Muneer.

Moreover, the police stated that another FIR had been filed against Jayasurya based on the complaint of the same actress, specifically under Section 354, which pertains to intent to outrage modesty.

Muneer has accused actors Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu of verbally and physically abusing them while working together on film projects. Speaking to ANI, Muneer shared her experiences and said, “Once, when I was coming out of the toilet…”

Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully… Thereafter, Idavela Babu indicated that he was interested in having a sexual relationship with me,” she alleged.

Also read: Malayalam actor Minu Muneer alleges sexual abuse: ‘Pulled me on bed and said…’; Mukesh, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya under fire

Muneer initially shared her allegations on her Facebook page, where she described a series of incidents dating back to 2013.

“I am writing to report on a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse suffered by me at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, Advocate Chandrasekharan and Production Manager Noble and Vichu,” Muneer wrote.