Me Too India: Tamil Lyricist Vairamuthu Denies Chinmayi Sripaada's Allegations Of Sexual Harassment; She Calls Him A ‘LIAR’

On Tuesday, Indian playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada accused Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual harassment. Recalling an incident that allegedly took place years ago in Switzerland, where an organiser attempted to blackmail Chinmayi into going to Vairamuthu’s room by claiming that if she did not, her career would be jeopardized.

In a series of tweets, the playback singer reiterated the entire incident following which, in an exclusive interview with Republic TV, she said, “4-5 years ago, when I was performing in Switzerland, I was asked to go to Vairamuthu's room. My mother and I put our foot down and they refused to even send us back to India after that. We threatened to go to the embassy if we have to and another time I was blackmailed for saying I won't sing for him”.

Responding to the aforementioned allegation, Vairamuthu took to Twitter on Wednesday and wrote, “Its now becoming normal in the country to defame the people who are well established in their field, Now I have been subjected to humiliations continuously & the recent controversy is also one among it (Chinmayi's allegation). I'll never respond to anything which is beyond the truth. Time will tell the truth”

Following this statement by Vairamuthu, Chinmayi Sripaada responded to it calling him a ‘LIAR’.

She added, ‘To EVERYONE who will debate about me on channels - whether you slut shame me or call me names
Vairamuthu is a sexual predator. I will take this to my grave.
And to Tamil channels who wouldnt even carry a ticker OR report, wanting a byte *after* Delhi news channels.
No.”

Over the past few weeks, the Me Too movement has gathered immense momentum in India. From members of the entertainment industry to mainstream politics and the media, several alleged victims of sexual harassment raised their voices. Drawing from the movement against sexual harassment that struck Hollywood last year, this path-breaking campaign was indeed much needed.

READ | Me Too India: Singer Chinmayi Sripaada Accuses Poet Vairamuthu Of Sexual Harassment