Osman Khalid Butt wouldn't have performed at the LSAs had Feroze Khan attended

The 21st edition of the Lux Style Awards came with its fair share of gossip and controversies. The prestigious awards, marred with contention, were called out by several artists who strongly opposed actor Feroze Khan's nomination and subsequent win for the Best Actor Male - Viewer's Choice accolade.

While ace designer Maheen Khan and Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy distanced themselves from the LSAs whilst announcing the return of their respective trophies, fans called out artists who chose to be a part of this year's event. One of the most prominent criticism was faced by actor Osman Khalid Butt who hosted and performed at the 21st Lux Style Awards.

Osman has always been vocal about the plight of women in society and has expressed support for the abuse victims. Many were shocked to see the Balu Mahi star actively taking part in the show. Now, Osman has issued a clarification as to why he prominently attended the event.

Taking to Twitter, the Chupke Chupke star shared a statement that revealed that he was contacted by the LSAs for a special homage to the Queen of Pop, Nazia Hassan. The said tribute served as a driving force for the actor to participate in the award show, he shared.

"I was contacted more than a week before the LSAs to perform a tribute to the immortal Nazia Hassan, who was to be awarded the Changemaker Award posthumously, and co-host a segment," Osman began, adding how at the time to contact "the nominations had not been announced."

The actor further shared, "My only reservation — which I made clear before agreeing — was that I could not attend, let alone perform at the ceremony if Feroze [Khan] was present there (which has absolutely nothing to do with his acting prowess, and everything to do with the very serious allegations levied by his ex-wife), and I was assured that he would not. That commitment was honoured."

He added that the final nominations were announced two days before the event. "I did my job to the best of my abilities, ensured my hosting segment was free of any controversial nominations, and yes, enjoyed every moment of that dance routine," he went on. "Contractual obligations aside, I will not downplay what an honour and privilege that was. It is unfortunate that that moment was eclipsed by controversy."

Osman shared, "I have advocated for causes I believe in for more than a decade, fought battles that have been detrimental to my career in this industry without fear (and at times without advertisement) — and I will continue to raise my voice: feminism is not a brand I wear, it is ingrained in my very being."

Addressing the backlash, he wrote, “It has been incredibly demoralising reading some of the posts on the cesspool that is social media, peppered with lies calling me out for ‘celebrating and cheering on abusers’ (?!), labelling me a ‘bika hua’ [sellout] ‘selective activist/hypocrite’ who raises his voice for ‘clout’. (Someone please let me know how I have benefitted from this ‘clout’). But then I remind myself that I don’t do what I do for your or anyone’s validation. However, one part of your condemnation I fully endorse: do not put anyone up on a pedestal.”

Osman asserted that there is a bigger debate to be held. "An understanding that the industry is a part of and reflective of the culture around us with the same issue ad challenges everyone faces; the exception that anyone who speaks out must throw away opportunities in the wake of controversy; how to bring about actionable change that is not cosmetic and same society you're in and that's a cold hard fact."

He concluded, "But social media is definitely not the place for any nuanced conversation with its culture of misdirected hate." Thanking all those who did not waver in their faith in him, Osman remarked, “Thank you to my peers and supporters who have faith in my convictions and intentions, and didn’t jump the gun on making judgements without knowing the situation.”

Social media reacts

Soon after his statement, many reacted to Osman's stance. Many social media users lauded the actor for his courage to address the matter.

One stood in his favour and tweeted, "One of the few celebrities who has consistently spoken out against the various problematic norms of our society. Judge people by their history, not a singular event."

Another shared, "My respect for you continues to grow tenfold with each day. You have always supported what's right regardless of the repercussions it could have on your career. You providing clarification to those individuals who doubted your honest intentions speaks volumes of your character."

One more user added, "It makes me so sad to see Obi clearing himself just coz of some stupid people here. The quotes on this tweet are unbelievable. Jaisa idol waise fans! Anyways, we love you Obi and are proud of you."

Another user remarked, "Your integrity will never be up for debate."

A user said to direct the hate towards the alleged abuser and the brand instead of Osman. "Spare the boy, chase, haunt and question Feroze Khan for his wrongdoings and do the same to the Unilever team who have awarded the wife-beater enabling the domestic abuser."

OKB lent support to Syeda Aliza

In October, Osman shared his stance on Syeda Aliza's abuse allegations against Feroze and tweeted, "I hope and pray you to get the justice you deserve, Aliza."

He went on to share, "The MLO report Aliza presented as evidence states: 'Blunt injuries on both arms, back, chest and face.' I know we're an incredibly desensitised society but read that again. Let it sink in."

The documents, available with The Express Tribune, confirm that Aliza submitted harrowing evidence of alleged abuse at the hands of Feroze in the court, along with several medical reports, dating back to 2020 and 2021. Several accounts of alleged abuse were submitted, as per the documents. The pictures are apparent evidence of Aliza's earlier claims of being subjected to 'severe physical abuse' by the actor.

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