Khusbhu Sundar says she should have spoken out earlier about sexual abuse by her father amid Mollywood’s #MeToo movement

Actress and politician Khusbhu Sundar recently opened up about being sexually abused by her father at the age of eight. Reacting to the Hema Commission report, which has brought to light several shocking allegations of sexual abuse against Malayalam celebrities, Khushbu said she should have spoken up about the abuse earlier.

Khusbhu shared a long post on her official X account and also opened up about why she had not spoken out about her father’s abuse earlier.

“Some ask me why I waited so long to talk about my father’s abuse. I agree that I should have spoken sooner. But what happened to me was not a compromise to build my career. I was abused by the person who should have given me the strongest arms to hold me if I fell,” she wrote in the emotional note.

Responding to the Hema report, the actress-politician commented on “women who stood their ground and emerged victorious.” She also urged women not to compromise on dignity and respect and to speak out against abuses.

Khushbu wrote: “💔 This moment of #MeToo that is sweeping through our industry is breaking you. Kudos to the women who stood their ground and emerged victorious. ✊ The #HemaCommittee was much needed to put a stop to the abuse. But will it? Abuse, asking for sexual favours and expecting women to compromise to gain a foothold or accelerate their careers exist in every field. Why is a woman expected to go through the grind alone? While men also face it, only marginally are women bearing the burden.”

“I had a long conversation with my 24-year-old and 21-year-old daughters about this topic. I was amazed at their empathy and understanding for the victims. They support them strongly and are standing by them at this moment. It doesn’t matter if you speak today or tomorrow, just speak. If you speak immediately, it helps the healing and investigations more effectively,” she added.

“The fear of shaming, victim blaming, and questions like ‘Why did you do it?’ or ‘What made you do it?’ are breaking her. The victim may be a stranger to you or me, but she needs our support, a listening ear, and emotional support from all of us. When we wonder why she didn’t come out sooner, we need to consider her circumstances – not everyone has the privilege to speak out. As women and mothers, the wounds inflicted by such violence cut deep, not just in the flesh, but in the soul. These atrocities shake the foundations of our trust, love, and strength. Behind every mother is a will to nurture and protect, and when that sanctity is broken, it affects us all,” Khushbu’s emotional letter reads.

In closing, she said, “This should be a wake-up call to EVERYONE. Let the exploitation stop here. Women, come out and speak up. Remember, you always have a choice in life. Your NO is absolutely a NO. Never compromise or compromise your dignity and respectability. EVER. I stand with all the women who have been through this. As a mother and as a woman.”

Days after the publication of the Hema Committee report, several Malayalam female celebrities have come forward with their horrific stories, accusing veterans from the film industry of sexual misconduct.

The main objective of the report is to investigate the working conditions, sexual harassment and gender inequality faced by Malayalam actresses.

The report’s publication was delayed for several years due to legal challenges. And now, following its publication, there is a mix of shock and calls for action from the public, with some questioning why the police and government are reluctant to take action based on the report’s findings.