Gauhar Khan thanks fans for support after she's slapped by man for wearing revealing clothes on TV
Akil Malik, 24, took offence at Khan’s cutaway outfit as she presented the grand finale of singing competition Raw Star at Film City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gauhar Khan, the presenter who was left in a state of shock after she was filmed being slapped by a man from the audience who took offence to what she was wearing, has publicly thanked followers for their support.
The Bollywood actress and model tweeted the following message to her fans on Twitter:
Akil Malik, 24, responded aggressively to Khan’s cutaway outfit as she presented the grand finale of singing competition Raw Star at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai, getting up out of his seat to threaten and assault her.
“Being a Muslim woman, she should not have worn such a short dress,” the Mumbai police quoted Malik as saying by way of explanation for his behaviour.
“Actresses are the face of society and they should not wear skirts and short clothes as they make youngsters get attracted to them sexually,” Indian publication Mid-day quotes the police as recording from Malik.
“If actresses stop wearing short clothes, crime will decrease and lead to a better society.”
Malik was arrested and charged with molestation under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.
He managed to breach tight security and make it to the stage to commit the offence, despite the 2,500-strong people in the audience, and 250 guards present in the studio.
According to Indian reports, Khan was left shaken by the incident, but returned to the set an hour later to continue filming.
Malik is now expected to appear in Boriwali Court on Thursday.