Mumbai: Filmmaker Sajid Khan on Friday said he is stepping down as director of “Housefull 4” amid allegations he indulged in sexual misconduct with multiple women.At least two actresses – Sonali Chopra and Rachel White – and a female journalist came out about their unpleasant experiences with Sajid on social media on Thursday, October 11, in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
In response, Sajid wrote on Twitter: “In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer and the stars of my film ‘Houseful4’, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth… I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out.”
Nana, who is a cast member of the film, has also been accused of sexually harassing actress Tanushree Dutta on the sets of a 2008 film “Horn Ok Pleassss”.
In response to the allegations against Sajid, Akshay Kumar, the star of “Housefull 4”, has called off the film’s shooting until “further investigation”.
“I have just landed back in the country last night and reading all the news has been very disturbing. I have requested the producers of ‘Housefull 4’ to cancel the shoot until further investigation,” Akshay tweeted on Friday morning.
“This is something that requires stringent action. I will not work with any proven offenders and all those who have been subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve,” added the actor, who came back from Italy on Thursday night.
Akshay’s wife and producer Twinkle Khanna also urged everyone involved with the film to take a stand.
“Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in ‘Housefull’ needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on,” she posted on Twitter.
“Housefull 4” also stars Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh and Kriti Kharbanda.
