I deny all claims of harassment lodged against me by Meesha Shafi, says Ali Zafar

Musician/actor Ali Zafar has responded to singer Meesha Shafi's allegations of sexual harassment, saying via Twitter that he categorically denies "any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi".

His statement reads as follows:

"I am deeply aware and in support of the global #MeToo movement and what it stands for. I am the father of a young girl and a young boy, a husband to a wife and a son to a mother. I am a man that has stood up for myself, my family, my colleagues and friends countless times in the face of slander, defamation and general unkindness. I will do the same today. I have nothing to hide. Silence is absolutely not an option.

"I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the movement, my family, the industry and my fans. Ultimately I am a strong believer that the truth, always prevails."

In a statement on Twitter today, Meesha Shafi accused Ali Zafar of sexually harassing her on more than one occasion.

She wrote, “I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young, or just entering the industry. This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children.”