Latest news with #Mathira
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Why do some men think personal space is optional?
In yet another case that highlights the ongoing struggles of women in professional spaces, Pakistani television host Mathira recently came forward with allegations against social media personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, accusing him of violating her personal space during an appearance on her talk show, The 21mm Show. The incident has reignited discussions on consent, personal boundaries, and the persistent issue of harassment in work environments. The uncomfortable situation unfolded when a behind-the-scenes video from the show surfaced, showing Khan attempting to get close to Mathira in a manner she later described as unwelcome. In a widely circulated Instagram video, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan can be seen moving closer to Mathira, singing his popular song, Bado Badi, while she moves away from him. She emphasized that she does not hug people on her show and had made this boundary clear beforehand. She stated in a video message addressing the incident that she felt very uncomfortable and clarified that the video in question was recorded without her consent from unauthorized angles on her set. "I am a bold person, yes, but that does not mean that you can hug me or put your hand on my back without my permission. Anyway, he did it. The video he recorded and posted came from his own cameras. Those were not our cameras. It was without our consent. We have got nothing to do with it. Khan, in response, not only dismissed Mathira's allegations but also threatened legal action against her. "The truth is that Mathira had been begging me to come to her show for four or five months because it wasn't a success." He claimed that she had invited him onto her show to boost ratings and that any physical proximity between them was not inappropriate. "I was just acting out a line from my song. You can see from my video that she enjoyed it and that she was laughing. And now she is saying I have harassed her! This is a very big claim." He declared in his rebuttal that he had spoken to his lawyers and would take the matter to court, denying any allegations of harassment This incident underscores a much broader issue in society—the frequent violation of women's personal space in professional environments. It is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern where men, knowingly or unknowingly, cross boundaries with no regard for the discomfort they cause. This problem stems from a deep-seated cultural issue that fails to recognize and respect personal space, particularly that of women. Power Dynamics and Personal Space In workplaces and professional environments, there is often an unspoken power dynamic that puts women at a disadvantage when it comes to asserting their boundaries. Many women feel obligated to tolerate uncomfortable situations for fear of professional repercussions, public backlash, or not being taken seriously. Mathira, despite being a well-known figure, still had to go public and defend her right to personal space—a situation countless other women face daily, but without the platform or influence to be heard. The violation of personal boundaries is not always overt; it can manifest in subtle ways, such as standing too close, unnecessary physical contact, or even prolonged staring. Many women in media, corporate workplaces, and other professional settings have similar experiences, yet their discomfort is often dismissed. It is crucial to acknowledge that personal space is subjective, and just because an action may seem harmless to one person does not mean it is acceptable to another. Respecting boundaries should not be a complicated concept, yet time and again, women are forced to justify their discomfort. Why Does This Keep Happening? Many women are hesitant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation, victim-blaming, or the social stigma associated with speaking out against powerful men. The issue of personal space violations is deeply rooted in cultural norms that often fail to acknowledge a woman's autonomy. Society has historically placed men in dominant roles, making it difficult for women to assert their boundaries without facing backlash. There is a widespread belief that women should be accommodating or tolerant of men's actions, even when they are uncomfortable. This cultural conditioning means that many men fail to recognize when they are crossing the line. They often see their actions as harmless, failing to consider the impact on the person at the receiving end. In Mathira's case, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan dismissed her feelings, claiming that their interaction was not inappropriate. This reaction is common—when women voice their discomfort, they are often met with denial or counter accusations instead of accountability. Even when laws exist, cultural barriers often prevent women from exercising their rights. Many workplaces lack formal mechanisms to handle complaints effectively, and even when they do, the burden of proof often falls on the victim, making it even harder for them to seek justice. The Dire Need for Harassment Training One of the most effective ways to combat harassment is through education and mandatory training programs in workplaces and schools. Harassment training should not be a formality; it must be a comprehensive program that educates employees about consent, personal space, and how to recognize and address inappropriate behavior. Many people fail to identify subtle forms of harassment. Microaggressions, inappropriate jokes, prolonged physical contact, and suggestive comments often go unchecked because they are not classified as explicit harassment. However, these behaviors contribute to a toxic work environment that makes women feel increasingly unsafe. Proper anti-harassment training ensures that individuals understand both explicit and implicit harassment. Employees must be taught how to recognize problematic behavior and, more importantly, how to report it safely. These programs should not be limited to workplaces—educational institutions also need to implement training to create awareness from an early age. Organizations must recognize that such training is not just about compliance with the law but about creating a work culture where employees feel safe, respected, and valued. Fostering a Culture of Respect Organizations, media outlets, and professional institutions must reinforce the importance of consent and personal boundaries. Workplaces should have clear guidelines on personal space, ensuring that employees understand what is acceptable and what is not. People should feel safe discussing personal space and harassment issues without fear of judgment or retaliation. Individuals who violate boundaries must face consequences, regardless of their status or position. Schools should incorporate lessons on respect, consent, and personal space into their curriculums. While Mathira had the platform to speak out, and still faced unprecedented backlash, countless other women endure similar situations in silence. It is time for workplaces, media institutions, and society at large to take these issues seriously, implementing tangible measures to protect women from harassment and empower them to set boundaries without fear of repercussions. Personal space is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right.
Express Tribune
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chahat threatens legal action after Mathira alleges harassment
In a turn of events unlikely to surprise anyone following the recent heated back and forth between television host Mathira Khan and her guest and musician Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, the latter has escalated matters by threatening to take legal action against the former. In a smaller but still eerie echo of the legal war unfolding between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in Hollywood, Chahat's litigious response is his answer to Mathira's allegations that he harassed her during an appearance on The 21mm show – a talk show hosted by Mathira where she regularly invites celebrities and engages in gentle roasting. For the unversed, Chahat recently shared photos of behind-the-scenes moments of his time on the show, many of which appear to show him reaching out for Mathira's hand and initiating physical contact. One particular clip shows Chahat inching towards Mathira across the set as she edges away. Taking to her YouTube channel, Mathira opened up about her discomfort with the singer's frank conduct. She also accused him of using his own team to film the interaction in secret. "Me being a woman, yes, I was very uncomfortable," admitted Mathira. "I am not used to hugging people and I was very uncomfortable. If he saw that, why did he post it without my permission?" To back up her argument, Mathira reposted the videos and photos captured by Chahat's team, which she maintains were shot without her consent. "People do many things for fame, and I am very disappointed at the same time," she stressed. Acknowledging her own unorthodox demeanour within the entertainment industry, Mathira added, "I am a bold person, yes, but that does not mean that you can hug me or put your hand on my back without my permission. Anyway, he did it. The video he recorded and posted came from his own cameras. Those were not our cameras. It was without our consent. We have got nothing to do with it." Expressing her unhappiness with the encounter, Mathira added in her lengthy statement, "I don't know why he did this. I have asked him to remove the video from his page, and he has not done anything about it. I am very disheartened. It's sad that we have to face this." In response, Chahat has put up his own video on his Instagram page and refuted all of Mathira's claims. He insists he was a gracious guest who did not harass his host. He also strenuously denies taking his own cameras onto her set. "The truth is that Mathira had been begging me to come to her show for four or five months because it wasn't a success," he began in his video. "The show went well, and it was very interesting. However, if you watch the video, you will see that she is the one who was putting her hand on my back, not the other way round." According to Chahat, the clip he posted shows him reenacting one of his own songs at Mathira's request. "I was just acting out a line from my song. You can see from my video that she enjoyed it and that she was laughing. And now she is saying I have harassed her! This is a very big claim." Switching from talking to his followers to addressing Mathira directly, Chahat added, "I am meeting with a solicitor now, and I am taking you to court. I did not harass you." The musician also insisted that he always attends chat shows alone whenever he is invited as a guest, refuting Mathira's claims that he must have filmed her in secret. "The biggest lie is that she said I took a team with me," he said. "I always go alone to any show. It is not true that anyone from my team shot that video. It must have been her own team. This is a very big allegation."
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chahat Fateh Ali Khan responds to Mathira's harassment allegations with legal threat
Listen to article Pakistani internet personality Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has threatened to pursue legal action against television host Mathira following allegations of harassment during an appearance on her show. The controversy emerged after Mathira shared her discomfort with Khan's behaviour during a show. In a widely circulated Instagram video, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan can be seen moving closer to Mathira, singing his popular song, Bado Badi, while she moves away from him. The video also shows Chahat Fateh Ali Khan placing his arm around Mathira and holding her arm repeatedly despite her apparent nervous laughter. The footage raised concerns about the host's personal boundaries and sparked accusations of inappropriate conduct. Mathira, in a video titled Mathira Breaks Silence on Harassment by Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, expressed her discomfort. She stated that she did not feel at ease with the situation and clarified that she did not typically engage in physical contact like hugging. 'I was very uncomfortable because I don't do this, I don't hug people,' she said. Additionally, Mathira mentioned that the video had been recorded without permission, as filming from the back was not allowed on her set. In response, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan released a statement on his Instagram, rejecting the harassment claims. He said Mathira had been eager for him to appear on the show due to its lack of success. Chahat Fateh Ali Khan explained that Mathira had asked him about his music career during the shoot and later approached him for photos after the show. He claimed that Mathira had put her arm around his waist during the photo session and that they both had laughed throughout the interaction. Chahat Fateh Ali Khan further stated that Mathira's allegations were misleading, asserting that the video that Mathira referenced was not recorded by a member of his team but by one of her crew members. 'Your own worker, one of the cameramen, recorded the video, and I got it from them,' he stated. Chahat Fateh Ali Khan concluded his response by emphasising that he would be taking the matter to court, saying, 'I have spoken to my lawyers and will meet with another solicitor. I will take you to court. I did not harass you.' Chahat Fateh Ali Khan also expressed disappointment over what he described as a 'big accusation' and the alleged misrepresentation of events after the show's success. Mathira has yet to respond to his statement publicly. Earlier, During a TV show appearance, renowned Pakistani singer Ali Haider firmly rejected collaborating with Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, even if offered Rs200 million. When the host asked Haider if he would consider singing alongside Chahat for such a significant amount, the singer responded, "I will not sing with Chahat Fateh Ali Khan." Haider went on to add, "Let Chahat live his life. This is his moment, and you never know which prayer of his has been accepted by God."
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mathira calls for respect after BTS video with Chahat Fateh Ali Khan
Listen to article Chahat Fateh Ali Khan is at the centre of controversy following a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from Mathira's show that has sparked widespread backlash. In response, Mathira has addressed the interaction, calling for increased respect for personal boundaries. Known for his humorous renditions of classic songs, Chahat Fateh Ali Khan's recent behaviour has drawn criticism for crossing professional boundaries. The incident occurred when Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, in the BTS footage greeted Mathira warmly and asked for a photo. While Mathira appeared initially shy, she agreed to the photo request. However, many viewers quickly expressed their discomfort, accusing Chahat Fateh Ali Khan of displaying flirtatious body language that made Mathira uneasy. Social media erupted with comments from fans pointing out Mathira's apparent discomfort, with some suggesting that she looked "scared" and "awkward" during the interaction. One user remarked, 'I've never seen her this uncomfortable before,' while others urged Chahat Fateh Ali Khan to reconsider his on-screen conduct when interacting with female hosts. Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has previously faced online trolling due to his over-the-top performances and unique take on songs. Following the backlash, Mathira opened up about the incident, accusing Chahat Fateh Ali Khan of crossing professional boundaries. She said the behaviour displayed in the BTS footage made her feel uncomfortable, especially as someone who is known for her bold public persona. Mathira condemned the sharing of the video without her consent, saying it was 'really bad' for fans to share such personal moments. She explained that neither she nor the show crew had authorised the footage's release, and efforts to remove it were unsuccessful. Mathira further emphasised that, despite her confident image, she would not tolerate anyone disrespecting her personal space. 'Yes, I am a bold personality, but that does not mean I would let you hug or touch me if you see me,' she stated. She also expressed a broader message about respect, saying, 'This has taught me a valuable lesson about treating people with kindness.'
