Actor Jayasurya responds to sexual abuse allegations, says legal battle ahead

Actor Jayasurya has opened up on the sexual harassment allegations made against him following the release of the Hema Committee Report, which included accusations of inappropriate behavior with female co-stars.

In response to the police complaints filed by the survivors, Jayasurya has been charged with outraging the modesty of a woman. Currently in the US, the actor has issued a statement to share his perspective on the matter.

In a statement released on Aug 31 on the occasion of his 46th birthday, he said, “To all of you who have wished me on my birthday today, to all of you who are extending your support and standing by me, thank you.”

Expressing the emotional impact these 'false allegations' have had on himself, his family, and his loved ones.

Jayasurya wrote, “Due to my personal commitments, my family and I have been in America for the past month, and during this time, two false allegations on the grounds of sexual harassment were made against me. Quite naturally, it has shattered me, my family, and everyone who has held me close.”

The actor also said that he will address these cases legally, expressing his confidence in the justice system and affirming his innocence.

“I have decided to move forward with this legally. My legal team will be looking after the rest of the proceedings regarding this case. False allegations are easy to make for anyone who lacks a conscience. I only hope one realizes that facing a false accusation of harassment is just as painful as the harassment itself. A lie always travels faster than the truth, but I believe the truth will prevail.”

While Jayasurya didn’t provide an exact date of his return to India, he said, “I will be back as soon as I finish my work here. All the legal proceedings to prove my innocence will continue. I have complete faith in our judicial system. Thank you to those who contributed to making this birthday the most painful one.”

Concluding his statement with a biblical reference, the actor remarked, “Let those who have not sinned throw stones, but only at those who have sinned.”

Alongside Jayasurya, notable figures such as Mukesh, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpillai Raju, and filmmaker Ranjith have also faced sexual misconduct allegations from several actors.

The fallout from these accusations has led to the mass resignation of the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), headed by Mohanlal.

The Hema Committee, comprising retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actress Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was formed following a request from the Women in Cinema Collective. This request arose in response to the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actress in February 2017, a case still ongoing with actor Dileep listed as the eighth accused.