#MeToo: MJ Akbar’s wife Mallika Joseph finally comes out in public to talk about the sexual misconduct allegations that enveloped her husband over the last few weeks after US-based journalist Pallavi Gogoi’s rape allegations went viral.

Talking to ANI, Mallika Joseph says, “I have been silent all this while as a ‘me too’ campaign has been unleashed against my husband, Mr MJ Akbar. However, the Washington Post article by Pallavi Gogoi alleging that she was raped by him forces me to step in with what I know to be true.”

She continues, “Tushita Patel and Pallavi Gogoi were often at our home, happily drinking and dining with us. Neither carried the haunted look of victims of sexual assault. I don’t know Pallavi’s reasons for telling this lie but a lie it is. At an Asian Age party at our home, crowded with young journalists, I have watched with mortification and pain as they danced close. I had confronted my husband at the time and he decided to prioritize his family.”

“Over 20 years ago, Pallavi Gogoi caused unhappiness and discord in our home. I learned of her and my husband’s involvement through her calls and her public display of affection in my presence. In her flaunting the relationship, she caused anguish and hurt to my entire family. I have been silent all this while as a ‘me too’ campaign has been unleashed against my husband, Mr. MJ Akbar. However, the Washington Post article by Pallavi Gogoi alleging that she was raped by him forces me to step in with what I know to be true,” said MJ Akbar’s wife Mallika Joseph.

Also Read: #MeToo: US-based journalist Pallavi Gogoi accuses MJ Akbar of rape

She continues, “I don’t know Pallavi’s reasons for telling this lie, but a lie it is: MJ Akbar’s wife Mallika to ANI on journalist Pallavi Gogoi’s allegations in the Washington Post against MJ Akbar

Before this, MJ Akbar also came forward to defend himself and reacted over Pallavi’s allegation. “People who worked with me knew both of us have indicated that they would be happy to bear testimony to what is stated above and at no stage, did the behavior of Pallavi Gogoi, give any one of them impression that she was working under duress.”

#MeToo: MJ Akbar talks about his life post allegations | Court posts the matter for 12 November