Actor Jayasurya has denied the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him and announced that he will pursue legal action. These accusations are part of a broader wave of sexual assault and rape claims targeting some of the most prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, including veteran actor Siddique and filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan.
Two separate cases have been filed against Jayasurya, both of which he insists are baseless. “I have decided to take this matter forward legally. My legal team will handle the proceedings. False allegations are easily made by those lacking a conscience. I hope people understand that being falsely accused of harassment is as painful as experiencing harassment itself,” Jayasurya stated in an Instagram post.
He continued, “A lie always travels faster than the truth, but I believe the truth will prevail. I will continue with all legal actions to prove my innocence and have complete faith in our judicial system. I want to thank those who have made this birthday the most painful one.”
The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by the MeToo movement, which gained momentum after the Justice Hema Committee report was made public. The 235-page report, which redacts the names of witnesses and the accused, highlights the pervasive control of the industry by 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors, and includes numerous allegations of sexual harassment against women in the industry.
One of the accusations against Jayasurya comes from actor Minu Muneer, who has also accused M Mukesh of sexual harassment during the shooting of a film in 2013. Muneer shared her distressing experience, stating, “I had a bitter experience while shooting for a film. I had gone to the toilet, and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked, and I ran out,” she recounted, adding that the actor offered her more work if she was willing to be with him.
