Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly found himself at the center of controversy on September 3 after being named as the sixth accused in a sexual assault complaint filed by a woman. Hours after the complaint surfaced, Pauly held a press conference where he strongly denied the allegations, labeling them a conspiracy. The actor also asserted that he did not know the woman who filed the complaint and vowed to fight the charges legally, describing the accusations as baseless.During the press conference, Pauly addressed the media, stating, An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against me. I will fight it legally. I am willing to go to any lengths to prove my innocence, as such fake allegations can be made against anyone. I am speaking for all those who might face similar false accusations. If I dont, these incidents will keep happening.Details of the ComplaintPauly revealed that he had first been contacted by a police officer about the complaint approximately a month and a half ago. The actor recounted, The circle inspector read out the FIR to me over the phone. I explained that I did not know the woman. At that time, the case was considered fake. I even asked the inspector if I should file a counter-complaint, but he advised me not to waste my time. I have yet to read the new FIR.Kochi, Kerala | On the sexual assault allegation case against him, Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly says, I saw the news just now. I dont know that girl, and I havent seen her. This is a baseless allegation. The news is affecting us because I have a family. I called for this press… pic.twitter.com/S09hnnOnvv— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2024Alleged Conspiracy and TimelineThe actor emphasized that he had no prior interaction with the woman, although he acknowledged knowing one of the other individuals mentioned in the FIR. According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred in Dubai in November 2023. Pauly recounted that he had met a film producer at a Dubai mall who introduced him to another man involved in the films financing, but he was unsure if he had interacted with the complainant. I wondered if it was someone who came for the audition back then. I called up the director to check with them, and he said that the audition did not take place. I dont know if she took a selfie with me, because lots of people do, Pauly added.Legal Case and Industry ReactionsThe case against Nivin Pauly and five others has been registered in Keralas Ernakulam district. The first accused in the case is identified as Sreya, followed by producer AK Sunil, and others named as Binu, Basheer, Kuttan, and Nivin Pauly as the sixth accused.The allegations against Nivin Pauly have sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. The accusations come in the wake of the Hema Committee report, made public on August 19, which has exposed widespread sexual harassment, casting couch practices, and lobbying within the industry.Industry-Wide ImpactSince the release of the Hema Committee report, numerous women have come forward with their own experiences, accusing well-known actors and filmmakers of sexual misconduct. Among those facing harassment charges are actors Jayasurya, Siddique, Baburaj, Idavela Babu, and directors Ranjith and Thulasidas.
