Post Holllywood, the #MeToo wave hit Bollywood, and we saw several women speak up on their harrowing experiences from the past. The movement is still discussed, but little did Preity Zinta expect that her comment on the same, would be misconstrued to such an extent, that she would have to post an apology and clarify her stance.
It all started with Preity Zinta giving an interview to a journalist for her upcoming movie, Bhaiaji Superhit. She was asked about her own #MeToo story, to which she replied, “No. Though, I wish I had... at least I would have an answer for you.” She went on to add, “People treat you the way you want to be treated.” This was enough to invite backlash, as people termed her comments as ‘insensitive’.
It all started with Preity Zinta giving an interview to a journalist for her upcoming movie, Bhaiaji Superhit. She was asked about her own #MeToo story, to which she replied, “No. Though, I wish I had... at least I would have an answer for you.” She went on to add, “People treat you the way you want to be treated.” This was enough to invite backlash, as people termed her comments as ‘insensitive’.
Now, the actress has lent an apology and a complete clarification on the comments. She says, “To all the women out there. I’m sorry if I have unintentionally hurt your sentiments on the #MeToo movement. It’s ironic that someone who has gone through abuse, as I have, has to clarify this. First I am a huge supporter of the movement and it’s unfortunate that some of my comments were taken out of context.
My reason for saying ‘I wish something like this would have happened to me’ in the film industry with a smile was because I would have reacted and slapped the person. So it never happened and much later when it happened I did react & the whole world saw it.
My reason for saying ‘I wish something like this would have happened to me’ in the film industry with a smile was because I would have reacted and slapped the person. So it never happened and much later when it happened I did react & the whole world saw it.
Having said that, I recognize that not everyone is in a position to fight back and I don’t want to marginalize the women that have been abused. The Sweetu & MeToo comment was not mine but I was quoting a man, which implied that men are now cautious in their approach to women at work.
The reason I was smiling in the interview was because it’s an interview & I was doing movie promotions. The reason I don’t want this movement diluted with false accusations is because my brother went through it and eventually shot himself. Women should not be victim shamed and should be encouraged to come forward but men can not be automatically vilified either. If the #MeToo movement has to really be the change then men have to support it too.
The reason I was smiling in the interview was because it’s an interview & I was doing movie promotions. The reason I don’t want this movement diluted with false accusations is because my brother went through it and eventually shot himself. Women should not be victim shamed and should be encouraged to come forward but men can not be automatically vilified either. If the #MeToo movement has to really be the change then men have to support it too.
I have seen both sides of the coin & I’m very hurt & sad I have to write such a long clarification specially after advocating & fighting for women’s rights all my life. I hope in the future there is more trust, specially from women because if we don’t stand together there really is no movement.”
Image Source:- Crickettimes,instagram/@realpz
Image Source:- Crickettimes,instagram/@realpz