Kollywood actor John Vijay faces sexual allegations, Singer Chinmayi Sripada concurs

Actor John Vijay, known for his work in multiple film industries including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, has recently been embroiled in a series of harassment accusations. The latest round of allegations came to light when singer Chinmayi Sripada shared screenshots of complaints against the actor on her X (formerly Twitter) account. The accusations are rooted in an incident where a journalist claimed that John made unwanted advances while she was waiting for an interview.

Chinmayi Sripada has been actively sharing screenshots of complaints against John Vijay, outlining instances where women have felt uncomfortable due to his behavior. These accusations range from inappropriate ogling to making women feel uneasy in professional settings. One journalist recounted an incident where John behaved inappropriately during an interview.

John Vijay was previously called out during the #MeToo movement in 2018. Sriranjani, a VJ, RJ, and singer, was among those who shared their experiences with the actor’s misconduct. Chinmayi expressed gratitude to Sriranjani and others for speaking up, acknowledging the strength required to share such personal and distressing experiences.

In 2018, John Vijay addressed the allegations, stating that he is a transparent person who sometimes misjudges the appropriateness of his jokes. He admitted that his comments might be perceived as insensitive and that he has learned to withdraw from conversations when feeling misunderstood. John also expressed support for the #MeToo movement, albeit noting that being a part of it was a painful lesson.

Dhanya Rajendran, a journalist, reacted to the accusations with a sense of familiarity, indicating that such behavior is not surprising within the film industry. She recounted a colleague’s experience with John Vijay, underscoring the importance of highlighting these issues to gauge the industry’s progress or lack thereof in addressing harassment.

Despite the ongoing controversy, John Vijay continues to work on various film projects. His recent works include Tamil films *Por* and *Bayamariya Brammai*, Malayalam film *Thankamani*, and Telugu films *Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire* and *Razakar – Silent Genocide of Hyderabad*.

The allegations against John Vijay highlight the persistent challenges in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of women. It is important for all stakeholders—actors, crew, and the public—to address and rectify such behaviors to foster a safer and more respectful work environment.

This case serves as a reminder that the journey towards gender equality and the eradication of workplace harassment is ongoing and requires continuous vigilance. As the conversation around these issues evolves, it is crucial for individuals in positions of power to listen, learn, and take decisive action to create a culture of accountability and respect.

https://twitter.com/Chinmayi/status/1816783220786233355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw