Can There Be Redemption For The Accused Men?

For the men implicated in the recent #MeTooIndia tsunami, is there a path to redemption? Or is it too early to even discuss contrition and comebacks?

- Sonali Kokra

October was an excruciating, endlessly exhausting, and uncomfortable month for most women, and some men, as more and more names were added to the list of men implicated in MeToo revelations across industries, occupations, and levels of seniority. Many expected, and some shockingly unpredictable names came tumbling out of closets women had kept padlocked for far too long. MJ Akbar, Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Sajid Khan, Suhel Seth, Chetan Bhagat, Kailash Kher, Nana Patekar, Vivek Agnihotri, Anu Malik, Piyush Mishra, and many other widely known public figures have been named and shamed. A few have disappeared from public sight, but not before vehemently denying all accusations against them. Some tried to threaten and intimidate their accusers with defamation suits. While a scant few immediately offered up apologies for their behaviour.

The storm is still brewing, with indignation, anger, and adrenaline coursing through the veins of the women who have finally, blessedly, at long last spoke up about the horrid, dehumanising ways in which bosses, colleagues, friends, acquaintances and even romantic interests had sexually objectified them. Clearly, the women are not done yet. Not by a long, long shot.