Today, Akshay Kumar cancelled the shoot for Housefull 4 post sexual harassment allegations against the film’s director, Sajid Khan. Three women, namely, actor Rachel White, assistant director Saloni Chopra and journalist Karishma Upadhyay accused Sajid Khan of sexual harassment.
Now, post allegations and Akshay’s step, Sajid Khan has stepped down from the position of a director of Housefull 4. The decision was taken by producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar.
As per a quote in Free Press Journal, a source revealed, “Housefull 4 is a big film and a franchise that is very dear to Sajid Nadiadwala. He didn’t want to hamper it or tarnish it by anyway. Both he and Akshay didn’t want to trivialise the ongoing debate and push it under the carpet. Hence the decision was taken that Sajid will be asked to leave the film.”
Sajid took to Twitter and announced his decision. His full statement reads, “In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer and the stars of the film Housefull 4, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth. I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out.”
Housefull 4 also stars Nana Patekar, who has been accused of sexual harassment by Tanushree Dutta.
Today, Twinkle Khanna also tweeted, “Appalled hearing multiple incidents of harassment and it is truly horrific to hear what these women have been through. Everyone involved in Housefull needs to take a firm stance on this issue. This cannot go on.”
Housefull 4 was slated to release near Diwali 2019.