When the #MeToo movement gained momentum in Pakistan in early 2018, several women came out to share their horrific ordeals with sexual harassment and assault. While many men were named and accused for inappropriate conduct towards women, singer Meesha Shafi made headlines when she called out Ali Zafar for the same. Jumping onto the bandwagon were ample others including Islamabad-based blogger Humna Raza. Sharing a detailed note on Twitter at the time, she spoke of the ordeal she faced as a fan when she requested Zafar for a selfie during a public event. She garnered the support of many who stood by her and demanded a safer environment for women. Fast forward two years and Raza has taken back her statement and apologised for her misleading tweet.
@AliZafarsays pic.twitter.com/BQqcstOpRZ
— Humna Raza (@HumnaRaza) October 9, 2020
She uploaded an apology letter on the micro-blogging site, which read, “After Ms Shafi made her tweet against Ali Zafar on 19th April 2018, I also tweeted saying that I felt uncomfortable around him while taking a selfie with him as a fan. I would like to clarify that it was a confusion on my part that I had obviously misunderstood. In hindsight, it was an innocent selfie in an amicable environment that I read too much into.” Raza continued, “I should not have tweeted something so misleading and I am aware of how it got blown out of proportion. My own statement was also used against Ali Zafar, damaging his reputation and causing immense distress and agony to him and his family which I really and truly regret. I am very sorry and will use my platform more responsibly. I wish Ali Zafar and his family nothing but the best of health and happiness.”
Seeking forgiveness specially publicly is considered a sign of weakness whereas it represents true courage and the most beautiful thing about a human being- the will to better oneself. I wish you the best of health and happiness. https://t.co/ceETCjRwSE
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 9, 2020
Very happy that you apologized but how can anyone get confused and stay confused for two years. It clearly shows all the women have been lying. I am still waiting for #meeshashafi to show up in court.
— zaraa khan (@zaara_khans) October 9, 2020
While Raza’s apology may be a sincere one and she is now being lauded for mustering the courage to speak up about the subject once again, her statements have met with some hate from Twitter users too. Zafar immediately acknowledged the post and replied with, “Seeking forgiveness specially publicly is considered a sign of weakness whereas it represents true courage and the most beautiful thing about a human being- the will to better oneself. I wish you the best of health and happiness.” However, some called out Raza for being “confused”. A tweet read, “Very happy that you apologized but how can anyone get confused and stay confused for two years. It clearly shows all the women have been lying. I am still waiting for #meeshashafi to show up in court.”
she can understand and express her experience however she wishes. that still does not take away from anyone else's experience and i hope everyone remembers that https://t.co/lK9O87mvRt
— cruel irony (@edgygirlrants) October 9, 2020
One more false accuser bites the dust. Let's see for how long others are going to be supported by Meesha Shafi! https://t.co/6Kc109KaPs
— Yasir (@haayemerijan) October 9, 2020
Ms Hamnza, you along with Ms Shafi, has inflicted irreparable damage on genuine #MeToo cause. Both of you are culprits of 110 million Pakistani women.
We will never forgive you. https://t.co/0vjjWcxYjK
— Zohaib Hassan (@zabi7474) October 9, 2020
This needs courage… more power to you girl and every such act by you and muzammil make me a bigger fan everytime ????????
— Mah Noor Wahid (@MahNoorWahid_) October 9, 2020
Whatever happens I’m so glad you spoke about your experience. More power to you.
— Rabia (@RabiaABhatti) October 9, 2020
http://thebrownidentity.com/2020/10/09/blogger-apologizes-to-ali-zafar-for-misleading-tweet/
Lending support to Raza, another user added, “She can understand and express her experience however she wishes. That still does not take away from anyone else’s experience and I hope everyone remembers that.” But a furious user retorted with, “One more false accuser bites the dust. Let’s see for how long others are going to be supported by Meesha Shafi!” Digital journalist Zohaib Hassan wrote, “Ms Humna, you along with Ms Shafi, has inflicted irreparable damage on genuine #MeToo cause. Both of you are culprits of 110 million Pakistani women. We will never forgive you.” Singing praises for Raza, a user penned, “This needs courage. More power to you girl and every such act by you and Muzammil makes me a bigger fan every time.” A similar post read, “Whatever happens I’m so glad you spoke about your experience. More power to you.”