Director Sajid Khan on Friday announced his departure from Housefull 4 in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment against him by two women.
In a post on Twitter, Khan said he was taking the “moral responsibility” to step down till he can allay the allegations.
“In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer and the stars of my film ‘Housefull 4’, 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.. Request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out,” he said.
Akshay Kumar halts shooting
Earlier in the day, actor Akshay Kumar, who plays the lead in the film, requested the producers to cancel the film’s shoot.
Kumar released a statement saying, “I have just landed back in the country last night and reading all the news as been very disturbing. I’ve requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action.”
He further added that he would not work with any “proven offenders.”
“I will not work with any proven offenders and all those subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve,” Kumar’s statement said.
Twinkle Khanna voices support
Former actor, author and Akshay Kumar’s wife, Twinkle Khanna too expressed support for the two women who came forward against Khan. “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 wrote on Twitter.
Housefull 4 also features Nana Patekar, who has also been accused of harasssment by actor Tanushree Dutta.
Khanna had earlier voiced support for Dutta, saying a healthy working environment is a fundamental right. “Please read this thread before judging or shaming #TanushreeDutta a working environment without harassment and intimidation is a fundamental right and by speaking up this brave woman helps pave the way towards that very goal for all of us,” she had tweeted.
Patekar has denied Dutta’s allegations that he harassed her during a film shoot in 2008 and sent her a legal notice.
Khan has not yet responded to the allegations against him.
The cast of Housefull 4, produced by Sajid Nadiadwalla, also includes Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Sharad Kelkar, Pooja Hegde, Kriti Kharbanda and Kriti Sanon.
(With inputs from PTI)