Popular Malayalam rapper Vedan, known for his acerbic lyrics against caste system and oppression, has been accused of sexual misconduct by a few women.
In a post that was shared on the Facebook page 'Women Against Sexual Harassment' a few women shared how they faced harassment from the rapper.
The post read:
A few women have shared their bitter experiences with rapper Vedan. They are sharing it anonymously, through this platform considering the popularity, influence and fan base of the said artist.
The women would like to share that they have had the following experiences with the artist.
*Make unwelcome sexual advances like asking 'shall I make you squirt?' soon after getting acquainted.
*Demand sex while drunk even after repeatedly making clear that one is not even interested in kissing.
*Make sexual advances even after making clear that one is not interested.
*Refuse to stop after letting him know that the sexual act of penetration is inflicting pain. Continue in a manner that inflicts more pain.
*Lie about having had sex with women to common friends.
*Propagate lies about sexual relationship with women in friend circles.
Following the allegations, the rapper took to Instagram to say he regrets his actions.
“Dearest all, I post this with utmost sincerity to correct my wrong-doings. I feel great self-contempt and terrible regret as I look back on the lapses in my conduct towards you, my women friends and partners who came to me in trust and friendship. I totally deserve to feel this pain. But the fact that this does not in any way redress the agony my actions have put you through haunts me very deeply.
I not only put you through this trauma but ended up hurting you more with the clumsy way I mishandled subsequent posts on this issue. I deeply regret this and totally accept and submit myself to all your criticism. With all due sincerity and without an iota of pretence I offer my heartfelt apologies.
I'm totally committed to ensuring that never again shall I because of such pain and discomfort to any person ever again.
To do everything needed to ensure this positive change I strongly desire to see in myself , I will need to step down and withdraw for a few days.
It is only now that I'm beginning to glimpse the importance of the timely warnings regarding the worrisome changes in my behaviour that I was given by my significant others. They had indeed hinted that there is some kind of misogynistic streak beginning to act up in me. I understand now that there may have been certain incidents in my own life whose impact may be showing up in this manner. To address these at root I have decided to seek help and undergo therapy if needed,” he wrote in a social media post.