“I had hoped not to end 2024 or begin the new year 2025 by addressing the horrific and negative incident my team and I faced in Varanasi. However, after much reflection, I feel it is important to share these unfortunate truths-not only to raise awareness but also to call for reforms in how such matters are handled. Attached is a confession and apology letter issued by the founder of the event organizing company. Hope this letter is sufficient to clear any confusion anyone might have had about the credibility of any of the false defamatory accusations made against my team and myself, as well as the treacherous and unethical conduct of the organizers,” she wrote.
Monali added, “It has been deeply troubling for me to process the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of the event management company’s team. Specially, their misuse of laws designed to protect against sexual harassment-laws that are vital for safeguarding people, specially women in our society-is both appalling and unacceptable. Weaponising such laws for personal vendetta, ego satisfaction, or retaliation against those who refused to comply with unethical practices is not only a gross abuse of rights but also deeply disrespectful to genuine survivors of these heinous crimes”.
The singer emphasized that this is “reckless behaviour undermines the credibility of survivors who show immense courage in seeking justice and hampers the hard work of those fighting to eradicate such crimes”.
“It is particularly disheartening to see young women participating in such actions, as it damages the cause and creates distrust around an issue that should always be treated with the utmost seriousness,” she stated.
In a different Instagram post, Monali said she was “subjected to severe negligence in basic infrastructural safety, false accusations of harassment, and life-threatening intimidation” on December 22.
“It is absolutely unacceptable to treat vendors poorly, cheat them of their hard-earned money, or con them in any way. Disrespecting and harassing those working behind the scenes-whether they are backstage crew, artist managers, or artist coordinators-is not the way forward. Such behaviour should never be tolerated or entertained and I am confident in saying this on behalf of the entire live entertainment industry, a community that works tirelessly day and night to elevate Indian live entertainment to its highest potential and newest peaks,” Monali shared.
“And to ensure a safe, professional, and respectful environment for all parties involved. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the UP Police and the Varanasi Police Department for their swift and effective intervention that day, which helped us regain control of the situation. I am also deeply thankful to the audience of Varanasi for their unwavering love and trust,” she mentioned .
Monali abruptly cancelled her Varanasi show last month, claiming that the stage was dangerous and could cause harm. She also reportedly accused the organizers of being “irresponsible and unethical,” disregarding the audience’s and artists’ safety. She left the stage, claiming that the arrangements were inadequate.
Back Room Entertainment, the event company at the time, had come forward to deny all of Monali’s allegations. They claimed to have been harassed by Monali and her group. They also referred to her comments as unfounded. According to a female organizer, a woman was sexually harassed by one of Monali’s team managers, and as a result, she departed the stage.
