#MeToo backlash: Indian minister to take legal action against allegations

Caught in the MeToo firestorm, minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar will not quit and instead take legal action over accusations of sexual harassment against him, according to ANI.

"The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. I could not reply earlier as I was on an official tour abroad," Akbar told ANI. Akbar raised questions over the timing of such allegations as they come a few months before the general elections are scheduled to be held. "Why has this storm risen a few months before a general election? Is there an agenda? You be the judge. These false, baseless and wild allegations have caused irreparable damage to my reputation and goodwill," ANI quoted Akbar as saying.

Scroll down for video

Upon his arrival at the Delhi airport, Akbar, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by a number of women journalists, said, "There will be a statement later on."

The Union Minister was in Nigeria when his name came up in a #MeToo thread on social media earlier this week.

#MeToo movement has swept the world of entertainment and media, showcasing the harrowing tales of sexual harassment by influential men in different walks of lives.

Culled from economictimes.com

My view: He has the right to clear his name, but I think he should do the government a favour and step down, so it won't cause further distraction. At least he's bold to take legal action against the women that accused him, unlike Brett Kavanaugh, who refused to fight and clear his name in court, I wonder why? I strongly believe that women that suffered sexual assault should be heard.