Barkha Dutt Asks Tavleen, Manjeet, Seema – Why Critical of #MeToo?

File photo of Barkha Dutt.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

The #MeToo movement has garnered a variety of reactions in its wake. While a lot of women have come forward and expressed their support for the survivors, a few women have also criticised the movement and questioned the allegations raised.

Journalist Barkha Dutt, in an open letter published on ThePrint, has asked three vetran journalists – Tavleen Singh, Manjeet Kripalani and Seema Mustafa – why they are so critical of the movement.

“Instead of making men accountable, you have put the onus on women to remain safe from predators. Isn’t that bizarre?”

In her open letter, which has been released in a video format, Dutt also asks Singh, Kriplani and Mustafa to “stop making excuses for men facing grave allegations.”

“Dear Tavleen, Manjeet and Seema, all three of you have mocked and dismissed #Metoo for being elite. In ”<a href="https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/7/15213/Whoa-MeToo-Hold-Your-Horses">#MeToo Hold Your horses</a>, ” Seema Mustafa you call the movement exclusive, arbitrary, subjective. Manjeet Kripalani you go much further: actually sneering at courageous women as ‘Metoo Wallis’.”

Dutt further asserts that feminism is not a binary, the movement is not elite because right to work is not elite and female labour force – which is already a mere 27% – may dwindle further if predatory behaviour in workplaces goes unchecked.

“Manjeet you speak of Akbar’s brilliant mind and contribution to foreign policy. Tavleen you call Akbar flawed and ask if we should remember him as a sexual predator or brilliant editor. So let me answer that: Kevin Spacey was a great actor. Charlie Rose a great anchor. NONE of it matters once grave charges of sexual misconduct and abuse surface.”

“Flawed are consensual affairs,” asserted Barkha. “ Harassment, assault, abuse: THAT is a crime.”