Mohanlal resigns as President of AMMA, his 17-member committee including Tovino Thomas step down amid widespread sexual abuse allegations within Malayalam industry

One of the most high-profile figures to resign is Siddique, who was the General Secretary. Siddique stepped down after a female actor accused him of sexual misconduct.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

August 27, 2024 - 3:31 PM IST

In a shocking turn of events, the leadership of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has resigned en masse following the release of a damning report detailing widespread sexual harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry. President Mohanlal and his 17-member committee announced their decision on August 27, citing a moral responsibility to step down in the wake of the allegations.

Mohanlal resigns as President of AMMA, his 17-member committee including Tovino Thomas step down amid widespread sexual abuse allegations within Malayalam industry

The Hema Committee report, released on August 19, exposed a culture of rampant sexual abuse, casting couch, pay disparities, and nepotism within the industry. The report's findings sparked outrage and led to accusations from female actors against several prominent figures in Malayalam cinema.

According to a report in India Today, the AMMA leadership's resignation is a significant development in the ongoing crisis. The association, which represents the interests of Malayalam film artists, has been under intense scrutiny since the report's release. Critics have accused AMMA of failing to address the issue of sexual harassment and protecting perpetrators.

In a statement, AMMA announced that a general body meeting would be convened within two months to elect a new governing body. The association expressed hope that the new leadership would be capable of "renewing and strengthening" the organization.

Several prominent Malayalam actors, including Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, Jomol, and Tini Tom, were part of the dissolved committee.

One of the most high-profile figures to resign from the AMMA leadership is Siddique, who was the General Secretary of the association. Siddique stepped down after a female actor accused him of sexual misconduct. In an interview, Siddique stated, “Since there were allegations against me, I have decided not to continue in the post and resigned.”

The Hema Committee report has opened a Pandora's box, with numerous women coming forward with harrowing accounts of sexual harassment and abuse. The revelations have shattered the myth of the Malayalam film industry as a progressive and inclusive space.