Actor Alencier Ley Lopez accused of sexual misconduct on film set

Actor Alencier Ley Lopez has been arrested by the Chengamanad police in Ernakulam on charges of sexual harassment, stemming from an incident on a film set. The complaint alleges that Lopez sexually harassed the complainant in 2017 during the shooting of Malayalam film ‘Aabhaasam’ in Bengaluru. He was arrested under IPC Sections 354 and 451, pertaining to sexual assault and trespassing. The complainant had earlier reported the incident to Edavela Babu, then general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), who reportedly dismissed her concerns after Lopez apologised.

This is not the first time Lopez has faced such allegations. In 2018, the same woman made similar claims against him. The case against Lopez is part of a broader crackdown on the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Hema Commission report, which exposed widespread harassment and exploitation of women. Following the report, more than 20 cases have been filed against well-known actors and directors as more women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

In response to these mounting allegations, including a recent rape allegation against actor Nivin Pauly, the Kerala government has announced the formation of a seven-member Special Investigation Team. The team, set up on August 25, is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the multiple cases of sexual harassment that have surfaced in the Malayalam film industry. The committee was formed after the 2017 sexual assault case against an actress, which led to widespread calls for reform and accountability in the industry.