Jayasurya breaks silence on sexual harassment allegations: thanks those who made his birthday painful, vows legal action

Actor Jayasurya has vehemently denied the recent sexual harassment allegations against him, saying the allegations have caused him and his family immense distress. Currently in the United States, Jayasurya has stated that he will pursue the claims legally, with his lawyers handling the matter until his return.

“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 have been made against me. It has of course devastated me, my family and everyone dear to me. I have decided to pursue this through legal means,” Jayasurya wrote in a post on his Facebook page, thanking those who wished him a happy birthday on August 31.

The first First Information Report (FIR) against Jayasurya was filed on August 28, invoking Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. The complaint, filed at the Cantonment police station by a female actor who has acted in several films, implicated not only Jayasurya but also other prominent actors such as M Mukesh, who is also an MLA, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu, a notable figure in the actors’ fraternity, AMMA.

“In 2013, I was physically and verbally abused by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable,” the complainant said in a Facebook post.

The second FIR was registered at the Karamana police station, under sections 354 and 354 C (voyeurism) of the IPC. This complaint by another female actor alleged that Jayasurya had molested her on a film set near Thodupuzha in 2012-13.

Responding to these allegations, Jayasurya said in his Facebook post, “False allegations are easy to make for anyone who has no conscience. I just hope that one realises that facing a false accusation of harassment is as painful as the harassment itself. A lie always travels faster than the truth, but I believe that the truth will prevail.” Jayasurya stated that he will return to Kerala once his work in the US is completed and assured that all legal proceedings to prove his innocence will continue in the meantime. “I have full faith in our justice system,” he stressed, adding sarcastically, “Let those who have not sinned throw stones, but only those who have.” He also expressed his gratitude to “those who have contributed in making this anniversary the most painful one.” These allegations come in the wake of the recently unveiled Justice K Hema Committee report, which has triggered a series of FIRs against leading Malayalam film personalities. The report, made public on August 19, sheds light on numerous cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

Following the report, besides Jayasurya, other film personalities facing similar allegations include actors Sidhique, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu and director Ranjith.

The Justice K Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government in response to the actress’s case in 2017. The report highlighted several disturbing cases of harassment and exploitation faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry.

The whirlwind of allegations and subsequent legal action marks a major moment of reckoning for the Malayalam cinema industry, with several prominent figures now coming under scrutiny. As the cases unfold, the individuals affected and the wider industry are likely to face intense public and legal scrutiny.

Jayasurya’s efforts to clear his name underscore the intense personal and professional challenges that such allegations pose. The outcome of these legal battles will be closely watched, potentially offering precedent and lessons for addressing such serious allegations in the entertainment industry and beyond.

The situation underscores the broader context of the challenges faced by women in the film industry, and the need for legal and institutional frameworks to address and resolve allegations of harassment in a responsible and fair manner.