In light of the recent accusation of sexual harassment against Ali Zafar by Meesha Shafi, there is a lot of debate around who might be right. There are thousands of people encouraging Meesha for speaking up, not just for herself but for the many young women and men who suffer at the hands of powerful people taking an advantage of their position to sexually exploit them. Many are bashing Meesha and indulging in victim-blaming as a means to shut down the very important conversation that Meesha’s public statement has started.
Ali Zafar has denied the allegation and informed people that he would take Shafi to court because, according to him, this was done out of personal vendetta against him
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
However, Meesha Shafi opening up about her experience has prompted more women to come forward with their own experience with Ali Zafar
Here's a thread of all the brave women coming forward with stories of harassment that involve Ali Zafar:
— Faizan 🇵🇸 (@thoraoffbeat) April 19, 2018
One of these people is Humna Raza, an Instagram influencer and blogger, and here is what she had to say
She had a similar experience with the superstar and came out in support of Meesha, despite knowing the victim shaming mentality of the society.
https://twitter.com/HumnaRaza/status/986987056286044161
The second woman who came forward is Maham Javaid who is a journalist and knows someone who was harassed by Ali Zafar
She narrates the story of her cousin whom Ali Zafar tried to push into a washroom with him.
https://twitter.com/JMaham/status/987014310735024128
Another woman who came forward has now taken down her tweet and her account is not longer active on Twitter
However a tweet that is available mentions how she had to deal with a crying student because Ali Zafar molested her.
https://twitter.com/seraphina444/status/987033696527056896
Leena Ghani, an activist and makeup artist, also joined the list of women who thought it necessary to not stay quiet at this time
Thank you @itsmeeshashafi for your courage and your bravery. It’s never easy. But that should never silence us. I am in total solidarity with you. You are not alone in this because #Metoo #TimesUp #WeBelieveYou pic.twitter.com/hkQ61bqnFH
— leena #FreePalestine🇵🇸 (@Leena_Ghani) April 19, 2018
These ladies are exhibiting a great deal of courage coming forward with their stories and are being applauded for it
A lot of people are showing support to these women and encouraging them to not be pressurized into taking back their stories or get scared with defamation claims.
https://twitter.com/Tooba_Sd/status/987067594497773569
I’m so proud of @itsmeeshashafi for her courage in speaking out about #AliZafar. Even for an empowered and strong woman like her, taking on #Lahore social scene’s Golden Boy takes guts. Enough people will jump to his defense! But just as many women with stories on him 🤞🏼
— Khizra (@KhizM) April 19, 2018
All power to you…
— Free Palestine 🇵🇸 (@LaraibJ) April 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/Ayeshamxnz/status/986997972524290048
Celebrities, like the masses, are divided about their opinion about the incident but there are some who’ve found it in their hearts to stand by the women who’re speaking up
It is very brave of you to share your experience. We need to keep our privilege – as celebrities, as men – firmly in check. I am so sorry you were disrespected in this way.
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) April 19, 2018
More power to you ! @itsmeeshashafi 👊🏻 https://t.co/aN8m8zNQq6
— URWA TUL WUSQUA HOCANE (@VJURWA) April 19, 2018
Men get away with sexual harassment in a culture of silence, where women are blamed for being treated inappropriately & for speaking up about said harassment. We have to change our culture, believe & support women brave enough to speak up. Enough. #MeToo #meeshashafi #AliZafar
— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) April 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/IamUmer1/status/986930734509297667
https://twitter.com/eman_anjum/status/986975051013648384
The time right now, as bystanders, is to let the victims speak. Do not pass judgement either way because the truth always does prevail. It is high time that women and men who’ve suffered at the hands of powerful people find the space safe to speak up.
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