New Delhi: In the wake of the recent sexual harassment allegations, prominent singer-composer Anu Malik, has been asked to step down as the judge of singing reality show Indian Idol 10. The music director is under fire for the allegations against him by multiple women. Though Malik has denied the allegations against him, he will no longer be shooting the episodes of the singing reality show from Monday onwards.
Malik has been accused of sexual harassment by notable singers like Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit and two more budding singers. In a statement to Pinkvilla.com, Anu Malik said, "I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work, my music and the show."
A lawyer for the music director Thursday denied the claims against him, saying India's #MeToo movement is being used for his client's "character assassination". Malik has repeatedly denied the allegations. Noted lyricist Sameer Anjaan also came to Malik's defence and tweeted that he was present during the time Pandit is talking about but no such incident took place. Malik has been one of the judges on "Indian Idol", since the show first aired in 2004.
Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar are the other two judges on the panel currently of the show, which airs on Sony Entertainment Television.
(Inputs from PTI)