'The very person who was supposed to protect me was the one who exploited me'

CHENNAI: Actress and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar has reacted to the recent revelations following the release of the Hema Committee report, emphasizing the importance of standing with survivors of sexual harassment. In a heartfelt message shared on X, she saluted women who endure struggles and highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual harassment across various fields.

Khushbu revealed that she discussed the Hema Committee report with her 24- and 21-year-old daughters and was deeply moved by the empathy and trust they expressed for the survivors.

In her post, Khushbu wrote:

"I am strongly supporting and standing with the survivors during this difficult time. It doesn’t matter whether your revelations come today or tomorrow—the sooner you speak out, the faster the wounds heal and the more effective the investigation becomes. The fear of scandal, the relentless questioning, and judgment can be overwhelming. We may be strangers, but they need our support. We must be willing to listen.

For those who ask why someone didn’t speak out earlier, they need to understand that everyone's situation is different. As a woman and a mother, I know that the wounds inflicted by such violence are not just physical—they cut deep into the soul. Such brutality can shake the very foundation of our faith and strength. It took me a long time to open up about my own traumatic experiences with my father. I should have spoken out sooner, but I didn’t want to compromise my ordeal in the pursuit of a career. The very person who was supposed to protect me was the one who exploited me.

Your solidarity is a ray of hope. It is proof that justice and compassion still exist. Stand with us, protect us, and honor the women who give you life and love."