Jiiva Makes Big Claims Tamil Film Industry Faces No Issues of Sexual Abuse: 'It’s Only in Kerala...'

Tamil actor Jiiva has claimed that Tamil industry has no issues of sexual abuse in the wake of the MeToo movement in Kerala. As we know it, Malayalam film industry has been tackling issues of sexual crimes after the Hema Committee Report revealed shocking sexual abuse incidents in the industry. While Mohanlal and Mammootty have finally extended their support to the report, Tamil industry has been tight-lipped about the developments. So much so that Rajinikanth said he is unaware of the report.

Now, Jiiva has claimed that issues of sexual abuse do not exist in the Tamil film industry. The statement was topped off with the controversial claim that such issues are only in Kerala. “Such issues don’t happen in Tamil industry, it’s only in Kerala,” Jiiva said at a recent event in Tamil Nadu, as reported by The Times of India.

The 83 star made the statement when asked about the Hema Committee Report at an event in Theni. The actor said, “I heard about it too. It’s wrong.” He then added, “We had #MeToo part 1 and now part 2 has come. Now, people are openly naming them [abusers]. It’s wrong. We should have a healthy atmosphere in cinema.”

When the journalists tried to prod him furher, he shut down questions about the matter. “We’ve come here for a good event, so let’s say good things. I’ve come to Theni after a long time. I’m coming here after shooting for a movie called Thenavattu. A lot of things are happening in a lot of industries. Your job is to gather news. Our job is to maintain a good atmosphere. As actors, we bring a smile to many people’s faces, and we have come here for that reason,” he said.

However, when reporters present at the venue tried to ask him more about the subject, he got into a scuffle. After exchanging a few words in an heated argument, he left venue.

The new wave of MeToo movement hit Kerala after the Hema Committee Report was released. The report shed light on alleged sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry.