Fortunate my name hasn't come out in #MeToo despite everything I've done: Shatrughan Sinha

When asked if he was making fun of the movement, he backtracked saying his statement should be taken in 'right...

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha on Wednesday said that he appreciates and applauds women who have come out with their stories of sexual harassment and rape, during the #MeToo movement, with guts and courage.

"I highly appreciate and applaud those women, who, better late than never, have come forward with guts and courage," Sinha said at the launch of a book in Mumbai," reported India Today.

"Today is the time of #MeToo, and there shouldn't be any shame or hesitation," he added.

PHOTO: AFP

Sinha also said that he is fortunate that his name hasn't come out in the #MeToo movement despite everything that he has done.

"I really call myself fortunate that in today's times, despite everything that I've done, my name hasn't come out in the #MeToo movement. Hence, I listen to my wife and often take her as a shield with me so that even if there's nothing, I can show, 'I am happily married, my life is good'," he said.

"Even if anyone wants to say anything about me, please don't say," he added.

The #MeToo movement hit Bollywood last year and saw several women coming out with their horror stories of sexual harassment and rape by actors and film-makers from the industry.

PHOTO: FILE

When asked whether he was making fun of the movement, Sinha backtracked and said his statement should be taken in "right humour".

"Don't take it otherwise. Please take it with a plain sense of humour. I highly appreciate and applaud the women, who, better late than never, have come forward... I salute their courage and guts."

"But beyond that, I don't want to go further at this hour because it's a book launch event and we should not cross our limits. But having said this, I understand what you are saying and I am highly supportive of what you said," he added.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.