MJ Akbar’s Return To The Newsroom Proves There Are No Consequences For The #MeToo Accused
After resigning as minister of state for external affairs in 2018 following allegations of sexual harassment against him, MJ Akbar has now made a triumphant return to the newsroom. Newslaundry broke the news that the former Union Minister, author, and journalist, has joined WION, a TV channel run by Zee Media. Although no formal announcements have been made yet, several employees told the publication that he had been attending editorial meetings as of this week.
At the height of the #MeToo movement in India, Akbar was accused of sexual harassment and assault by at least 20 women and rape by one, including journalist Priya Ramani. He later filed a case of defamation against Ramani for which she was acquitted.
After serious allegations were made by a multitude of women, many assumed that Akbar’s career would be coming to a swift end. But after all, it is a man’s world and there is little that a man in a privileged position can’t get away with.
When allegations are made against someone, many believe that they should completely stop receiving work. While that may not always be a realistic expectation, it is hoped that they would at least express some remorse for their actions and try to make amends. But just like Akbar, a wide majority of the men accused during the movement have had to face limited consequences for their actions.
Getting away scot-free
Another accused who invited much public attention is brand consultant and businessman Suhel Seth who was named and shamed for sexual harassment by more than five women. Seth, who is well known to flaunt his connections to the rich and powerful of the country, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and assault by prominent women including journalist Mandakini Gahlot, entrepreneur Natashja Rathore and actor Diandra Soares.
The latter also told the media that the “elites of the Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta party circles” all knew about his behaviour and yet refused to call him out on it. Seth was recently seen interacting with actor Anupam Kher in a video around the actor’s new book. Although many had petitioned for publishers like Rupa Publications and Penguin India to withdraw Seth’s book, no action was taken. Of late, he has been decorating the panels of Republic TV, debating with another man with questionable ethics - Arnab Goswami. And of course, he was also seen on a panel for Zee News discussing the matter of the recent conflict in Afghanistan. Only the viewer is left wondering what a marketing consultant could add to a discussion about politics.
How consequences differ for men and women
Protected by an army of lawyers and given work opportunities by their supporters and friends in power, there seems like there is little need for men accused of sexual crimes to even pay heed to the allegations made against them. Because why not? Some big bucks and a few quick calls can make the negative publicity and the semblance of consequences dissipate. Or you can always try the ‘lay low and wait for it to pass’ technique that men have successfully followed.
Take the example of comedian Louis CK, who was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, admitted to the crimes in 2017. He quickly made a return to comedy after a brief “sabbatical” and was going on a world tour with shows in nearly 50 cities, according to media reports. “Feminists can’t take a joke,” CK once said, but surely there is little to find funny in a world where men can get away with anything and everything under the sun.
Read more: Tarun Tejpal Acquittal Is Emblematic Of The Negligent Way Indian Society Views Gender Crimes
Closer to home, we have everyone from Anu Malik to Chetan Bhagat to Vairamuthu who stand out as stark examples that reputations being blemished by sexual harassment accusations is nothing but a rite of passage for men in the public eye. But for the women who make these allegations, it can mean the decline of their careers and much more. One of the prominent cases that come to mind is that of singer and dubbing artist Chinmayi Sripada, who accused lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual misconduct. During the #MeToo movement, she also lent her support to women who accused actor Radha Ravi of sexual harassment. For speaking up, she was axed from the dubbing union helmed by Ravi and had to fight for her right to work in the Tamil film industry again.
Apparently I have to pay 1.5 Lakhs, send an apology letter and THEN the dubbing Union will reinstate me and let me work in Tamilnadu in Tamil films.
The Union has made lakhs from my Income since 2006. And I have to pay 1.5 lakhs again for my right to work. https://t.co/JHt6ajU1D3— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) December 28, 2018
In a barrage of accusations and reactions, this is just the tip of an iceberg, with organizations, political parties, and big names standing behind those who are perpetrators. It is left to be seen whether women will continue to name and shame men who make them uncomfortable or unsafe, especially when it is abundantly clear that the change that seemed to be on the horizon is now growing hazier.
(Edited by Amrita Ghosh)
