Anu Malik is already feeling the repercussions of the sexual harassment allegations made against him.
The 57 year old music composer and singer, has just been forced to step down as a co-judge from Indian Idol – a show he has been a part of, since it’s very inception in the country.
The same has been officially declared by Sony Entertainment Television – the network which has been airing the show since seasons 1.
Here is what the statement from Sony said (as reported by ANI):
“Anu Malik is no longer a part of Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule and we’ll invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge extraordinary talent of Indian Idol Season 10”
The decision to throw Anu out of the show comes in the wake of all the allegations by fellow singers and colleagues that have been made against him, based on incidents from the past.
Indian Idol’s former assistant producer, Danica D’Souza had revealed how the ‘higher authorities’ of the show were aware of his wrongdoings but continued to push it under the rug. Here is what she was quoted telling Mid-Day:
“This incident occurred in Kolkata. One of our colleagues from the production crew was travelling with a cameraman and Malik in a car to get sound bites. When she returned, she looked traumatised and told us of the unfortunate incident. She said once they had wrapped up their work, Malik touched her thigh in the car, and felt her up. She was startled. The cameraman who was sitting in the front seat wasn’t aware of what was going on behind him.”
“[women on the show’s team] sympathized but quickly swept the incidents under the rug.”
Time’s up for Anu, it seems.