The Malayalam film industry was shaken by a series of sexual harassment allegations, following the release of the Justice Hema Committee Report. Among those accused was actor Jayasurya, who faced serious allegations from an actress. At the time, Jayasurya, who was in the United States, categorically denied the accusations and voiced concerns about the harmful impact of false claims on his personal life. Now, having cooperated with authorities, Jayasurya addressed the press to further defend himself against the charges.
What Jayasurya said
Speaking about the allegations, Jayasurya firmly denied any wrongdoing. “There have been two fake allegations against me. I’m not sure why the complainant, who first denied it was me who apparently did these things, went on to name me in her allegation,” Jayasurya told media as quoted by Indian Express.
Jayasurya then presented his own evidence to dispute the claims, pointing to inconsistencies in the timeline and locations mentioned by the complainant.
“She said the unforgettable incident happened in 2013 on the sets of Pigman in Thodupuzha. But, the film was wrapped up in 2011, and it was shot in Koothaatthukulam. Next, she spoke about a certain incident that happened in the secretariat in 2008. First, we only got 2 hours permission to shoot the song cuts, that too outside the place. So, how did she enter the second floor?” Jayasurya questioned.
Jayasurya calls himself "living martyr"
Jayasurya also highlighted the harm false accusations can do to genuine victims of harassment. “In the light of such fake allegations, many voices that are sincere and true get silenced. I would fight these claims till the very end,” said Jayasurya.
“This can happen to anyone. At least, the media is giving me space for explaining my side. What about others? What will happen to his family? Won’t his image get shattered? Let this be the last time this happens. Let me be the living martyr in this case,” he said.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Jayasurya clarified that no formal arrest has been made, and he did not have to seek anticipatory bail. However, he refrained from discussing specifics regarding the investigation, saying, “I can’t tell what I said inside (to the authorities). I can’t disclose everything. All I would like to say is that I am completely denying all these baseless allegations.”
Jayasurya is not the only Malayalam film industry figure to face such allegations. Other prominent names, including Nivin Pauly, actors Siddique, Mukesh, and Edavela Babu, as well as director Ranjith, have also been implicated. Nivin Pauly, like Jayasurya, addressed the press on the same day to reject the claims against him.