Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu accused of sexual misconduct, singer Chinmayee Sripada shares anonymous complaint

National Award-winning Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu is the latest to be accused of sexual misconduct in two separate instances. Journalist Sandhya Menon and singer Chinmayee Sripada shared two anonymous messages of victims sharing instances of improper behaviour by the lyricist. 

Journalist Menon was the first to share a victim's screenshot detailing her experience with the lyricist and calling him out for sexual harassment and misbehaviour. 

In the message, the victim alleged that Vairamuthu misbehaved with her while she was working on a project with him as an 18-year old. She writes, "In the pretext of explaining lyrics, he came to me, hugged me and kissed me. I did not know what to do. I said OK sir, thank you and ran from his house [sic]." 

The woman also claimed that the lyricist is being protected because of his 'political connections.' 

Singer Chinmayee provided another piece of evidence against the senior lyricist sharing a message from another victim, who had gone through a similar experience.

Chinmayee's message cites the victim as saying the lyricist 'almost kissed' her on the pretext of a casual conversation. The victim added that it was 'the worst day of my life'.

Vairamuthu is a National Award-winning lyricist who recently wrote lyrics for Mani Ratnam's Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018).

The tweet has also got the attention of Samantha Akkineni, who wrote 'Thankyou for being so strong' 

Chinmayee also shared messages from several other victims on the same issue. One such complaint was against actor Radha Ravi.

Radha Ravi is the former chairman of South Indian Film Artiste's Association. 

The singer had earlier shared instances of how there is an institutionalised practice of harassment in the Carnatic sabhas in Chennai. The thread earned her the wrath of several trolls on the social media platform.