Union Minister MJ Akbar files defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani for #MeToo allegations

New Delhi | Union Minister of State of External Affairs MJ Akbar on Monday filed a defamation case against Journalist Priya Ramani who accused of him for sexual harassment.

Former Journalist MJ Akbar was accused of sexual harassment by various women journalist in the ongoing #MeToo campaign during his tenure as Editor of various newspapers. Journalist Priya Ramani had alleged that Akbar during his tenure as an Editor of a newspaper made her feel uncomfortable and harassed her in a hotel room.

Alleging M.J. Akbar, journalist Priya Ramani wrote in her article “Akbar is an expert on obscene phone calls, texts, inappropriate compliments and not taking no for an answer.” She further added, “You know how to pinch, pat, rub, grab, and assault. Speaking up against you still carries a heavy price that many young women cannot afford to pay.”

I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. #ulti https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7

— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 8, 2018

After Ramani’s tweet various other female journalists including Prerna Singh Bindra, Ghazala Wahab, Shutapa Paul, Anju Bharti, Suparna Sharma, Shuma Raha, Malini Bhupta, Kanika Gahlout, Kadambari M Wade, Majlie de Puy Kamp and Ruth David spoke against Akbar.

Earlier on Sunday after returning from Nigeria, MJ Akbar termed the accusations false and baseless. Speaking to media agency ANI, the former Journalist said, “Accusations without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections.” He further added that “Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action.”

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— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) October 14, 2018

Responding to his silence over the allegations, the Union Minister clarified,” The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. I could not reply earlier as I was on an official tour abroad.”