One of India’s biggest reality shows ‘Bigg Boss’ kickstarted its 16th season this past Saturday. The host and megastar Salman Khan introduced each contestant in its Grand Premier episode. One such contestant was director Sajid Khan, who was accused of sexual misconduct by 9 women back in 2018. Viewers in India were caught off-guard and his participation in the show has irked many as they are questioning how an alleged harasser can be invited to be a part of the show.
They took to Twitter to voice their frustration as to why the victims, after speaking up, have to deal with victim shaming while the alleged harasser gets to be in one of the most watched shows in India. Let’s take a look at how people are taking the news.
“I knew #SajidKhan is accused of sexual harrasment of 9 women but today got to know the details shared by women . It’s shame of someone is supporting him in any way #BiggBoss16”
“tanushree dutta, one of the first indian women from the movie industry to name and shame predators has been struggling for work and sajid khan who has been accused of sexually assaulting or harassing at least 9 women gets to be on one of the most watched tv shows in the country”
“Complete silence from @ColorsTV and @BiggBoss on the #SajidKhan allegations so far.”
“It disturbs me to see a certain group of fans saying there’s no proof to indict Sajid Khan In most cases, it’s hard to get proof of sexual harassment. No one has the presence of mind to record such a terrible thing as it’s happening. By the time you realize no one believes you”
“Always considered BigBoss a useless show but by inviting Sajid Khan it has reached gutter levels.”
“This is the very attitude that helps people like Sajid Khan get away with all these horrible deeds.”
“Think about the depth of depravity — Colors TV would have known during initial discussion the effect the announcement of Sajid Khan would have. They knew people will renew calls of #metoo for a man accused by 9 women. End result, Big Boss trending, more eyeballs for the show.”
Bigg Boss Season 13 Fame Shehnaaz Gill Receives Back Lash For Supporting Sajid Khan
During the show, a video message by Shehnaaz Gill was played in which she was wishing Sajid Khan luck for the show. The actress is doing a film with him. However, her support did not sit well with netizens and she received flak for doing so.
“I can’t emphasise enough how much damage #ShehnaazGiIl has done to her reputation and brand by supporting terrible human being #SajidKhan (will get considerably worse in the lead up to their film’s release)”
“i’ve been trying to avoid the whole sajid khan bullshit it’s triggering. the way shehnaaz gill’s fandom and a few others defending him is sickening. there is a world beyond your favs just bcs your fav supports a douchebag doesn’t mean you blindly go after that. y’all DISGUSTING!!”
While Some Came Out In Her Support
“Blue ticks suddenly popped out of holes and started giving opinions why sana support Sajid Khan? Well, she supported someone who gave her work and do any one of you have audacity to say a word against colors or SK who called him on the show!! NO you can’t loosers!!”
While Sajid Khan has not been proven guilty of his crimes, we are of the opinion that until such cases are solved in court, platforms like Colors TV and Bigg Boss that hold mass appeal like should perhaps refrain from calling those accused of crimes as serious as sexual harassment.
