'Insulted the victims who filed complaints, minister bowed to pressure of power group'; Sandra Thomas lashes out at Saji Cherian

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Producer and actress Sandra Thomas has lashed out at Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian over his remarks on the Hema Committee report. Taking to her Facebook page, Sandra said that the minister's statement that women who complained to the Hema Committee did so under pressure was insulting to the victims.

Sandra Thomas's Facebook post
'The statement made today by the Cultural Affairs Minister on a private channel regarding the Hema Committee clearly shows that he has bowed to the pressure of the power groups in the film industry. His claim that the women filed complaints under pressure is an insult to the victims.

Women, who came forward with complaints, did so foreseeing the future challenges and isolations they may face. Such statements, which reduce the seriousness of their complaints, should never come from a minister.

When a woman speaks out, it is an act of sacrifice. In our neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu, a singer who filed a sexual harassment complaint against a renowned lyricist has said that she was isolated for more than seven years. In Malayalam cinema, the level of isolation faced by women is even worse. I can confidently say this as someone from within the industry.

When criticism arises against the minister’s statement, please don’t make so-called replies like ‘I have three daughters, a wife, and a mother’ to mock us.'

– Sandra Thomas wrote.