Celebrities react to Meesha Shafi’s sexual misconduct allegation on Ali Zafar

#MeToo – Pakistani celebrities divided on Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar sexual harassment controversy

The sexual harassment allegation against Pakistan’s top musician Ali Zafar by fellow singer Meesha Shafi has sent shock waves through Pakistani media industry.

Meesha Shafi’s accusation and Ali Zafar’s denial seems to have divided celebrities into groups, with many speaking in favor of the pop star while others taking Meesha’s side.

Let’s check who is on who’s side:

Supporters of Ali Zafar

Controversial TV celebrity Waqar Zaka publicly shamed Meesha for her claims.

Jab tak larki ko acha lagta hai , “its healthy flirt”, jab larki ka mood na ho tu “sexual harassment”. Larki num mangay tu “its just for fun” , Larka num mangay tu “its Tharkipan”. If it’s not a publicity stunt tu phelay Court mei file karti Madam, Social media kyun? #Meesha

— Waqar Zaka (@ZakaWaqar) April 20, 2018

Maya Ali who will be seen opposite Ali in the upcoming film, Teefa in Trouble, said she respects Ali Zafar and “want the truth to come out.”

I’m not here to say who is wrong and who is right or who did what and who didn’t… Let’s say, I haven’t known him for long, but I have been working with him since 1 year, we shot our film in Lahore and then we were all together in Poland to shoot the rest of the film and I never ever got any kind of that vibe from him… I always found him talking to his wife and kids on FaceTime and this made me a fan of him, because he would always share his good and bad moments with his wife and family… When we were on set or in any restaurant with the whole team he would always make sure that he was sharing these moments with her… I am not judging anyone nor giving any clarification on anyone’s behalf, and we can’t judge the one side of a book… I respect this man @ali_zafar and want the truth to come out, until then we shouldn’t judge anyone’s character…🙏🏻🙏🏻

A post shared by Maya Ali (@official_mayaali) on Apr 19, 2018 at 10:35am PDT

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Supporters of Meesha Shafi

Osman Khalid Butt was perhaps the first from within the entertainment industry to voice support for Meesha.

A woman breaks her silence about abuse, withstands character assassination & further abuse on social media, her story turns into memes & tone-deaf jokes that trivialize the issue, she fears ostracization – but suuuuure, she did it for the cheap publicity. https://t.co/eDeOpXYUox

— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) April 19, 2018

Most of the Pakistani actresses including Mahira Khan, Iffat Umer and Urwa Hocane extended their support to Meesha Shafi.

Mahira Khan spoke about spreading awareness on sexual harassment incidents.

The sick mentality of those commenting on an issue as serious as sexual harassment as casually as they are just shows where the root of this problem exists – in our minds. We will continue to breed harassers for as long as we continue to desensitise this issue.

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) April 20, 2018

Urwa Hocane retweeted Meesha’s revelation.

More power to you ! @itsmeeshashafi 👊🏻 https://t.co/aN8m8zNQq6

— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) April 19, 2018

Armeena Khan did not declare support for either but criticised all those who are bashing Meesha for accusing Ali.

Ok! so let’s not judge till all goes through the courts. However, I am horrified at the personal attacks against #Meesha based on her occupation and gender. “These actresses and singers dress inappropriately so they deserve it.” WHAT?! What a bunch of degenerates! Yuck! 🤮

— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) April 20, 2018

Reham Khan has also supported Meesha Shafi.

Proud of this gutsy woman. That’s my kind of rockstar! More power to women who stand up to predators. https://t.co/KT07tU6N8f

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) April 19, 2018