Tanushree Dutta rues some people couldn’t stand up during #MeToo. She adds sexual misconduct survivors being denied work opportunities shows ‘no compassion’.
The Justice K Hema Committee released a 235-page report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, uncovering 17 forms of exploitation against women. This was prompted by the Women In Cinema Collective following a 2017 incident involving sexual assault. Tanushree Dutta, a key figure in the #MeToo movement, criticized the report’s slow response, stating the need for prompt action against accused perpetrators like Nana Patekar and Dileep.
Tanushree questioned the effectiveness of committees and reports in addressing endemic issues, emphasizing the importance of enforcing laws against sexual misconduct. She criticized the prejudiced treatment of female actors in the industry and highlighted the lack of compassion towards survivors. Despite the #MeToo movement’s impact, she lamented the lack of accountability and strong outcomes due to corruption and complacency.
Expressing skepticism towards proposed cinema laws for women’s safety, Tanushree emphasized the need for real action over paperwork. She criticized the industry’s tolerance towards accused perpetrators and the denial of opportunities to outspoken advocates like Parvathy Thiruvothu. Tanushree stressed the importance of treating actresses with dignity and respect, challenging the prevalent misogyny and discrimination.
While acknowledging the significance of the #MeToo movement, Tanushree highlighted missed opportunities for justice and accountability. She called for a stronger stance against sexual predators and criticized the lack of support for survivors. Reflecting on the challenges faced by women in the industry, she urged for systemic changes to address deep-rooted issues of harassment and discrimination.