The #MeToo campaign aimed at exposing sexual harassment in professional spaces is shaking Malayalam cinema too, like many other industries elsewhere in India and abroad. Most survivors choose to hide behind anonymity while disclosing their experiences of sexual abuse. Malayalam movie audience listened to the anonymous charge of a junior actress against acclaimed actor Alencier Le Lopez with great disbelief and shock. After almost a week, the actress has removed her mask of anonymity by posting a selfie-video on her Facebook page to attest her previous allegation against Alencier.
Divya Gopinath, one of the many character artistes in the Jubith Namradath's 2018 movie 'Aabhaasam', starring Suraj Venjarammoodu, Rima Kallingal and Indrans, revealed on the video about the bitter experience she had faced from Alencier on the sets of this film.
Divya alleged that apart from misbehaving with the female artistes on the movie sets, Alencier also bragged about his experience of misusing girls with his colleagues later. “My friends informed me about his insensitive remarks about the female actors of 'Aabhasam' movie. They said that he literally boasted about his experience of misusing female actors, including me, who were associated with 'Aabhaasam'. They also informed Jubith, the director of the movie, about this,” Divya claimed.
Divya claims to have called Alencier to discuss the issue. Alencier reportedly broke into tears and apologised for what happened from his end.
“I trusted his tears taking his age and experience into consideration but when several other women faced similar abuses from him later on, I thought it isn't right to keep mum about my experience of sexual abuse,” Divya said.
Divya, an M.com graduate, has been a theatre artist for over a decade. She has acted in four movies including 'Aabhaasam.'
No trust in AMMA
Referring to AMMA's supportive stance towards actor Dileep, who is accused in the actress-attack case, Divya expects the body to sideline her matter too.
“I don't trust the actor's association hence didn't raise a complaint there," she said. “Nobody tried to influence my opinion. After watching the prolonged debate between AMMA and WCC, I drew my own conclusion that AMMA will protect Alencier even if I raise a complaint with it,” Divya added.
However, the actress has filed a complaint with the Women in Cinema Collective about her bitter experience. She has also approached Justice Hema Commission set up by the state government to study gender-gap in the film industry.
Response to cybergoons
Divya did not forget to address the online bullies who use the #MeToo campaign a point to target sexual attack victims. “Those who target me on social media platforms for raising voice against an established figure in Malayalam film industry should understand the level of bravery it takes for a young woman to expose a sexual abuse she has undergone. I decided to come out in the open after sitting down with my parents and having a satisfactory dialogue with them. You may ask why do I choose to remain in the film industry even after facing all these setbacks. My answer is very simple, there is no other profession which could please me, which satisfies me like acting,” Divya said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Alencier has not reacted to this. The reaction will be added as and when it is available.
