On November 30, Indian actress and model Gauahar Khan was presenting at reality singing show Raw Star when audience member Akil Malik approached the stage and slapped her. He later explained that he had a problem with her "short dresses."
Several celebrities tweeted at Khan to show their support:
What happened with @GAUAHAR_KHAN is APPALLING !!!!!Lots of love and power to her for being the strong woman that she is!!!! Disgusted....
Very impressed with the dignity and power with which @GAUAHAR_KHAN is handling this awful incident. Really guys, it's almost 2015. GROW UP!
It's morons who use religion to hide their own disgusting double standards that need a slap! More power to u @GAUAHAR_KHAN! Stay strong😘
@GAUAHAR_KHAN So Pissed Off! Narrow-minded idiots will always resort to violence to make their point. But you stay strong. We're all with u.
Dearest natural selection, please help us out-evolve morons like the one who slapped Gauhar Khan. Sincerely...
More power to Gauhar khan...N shame on u Akil Malik!!Disgusted by this so called moral policing..
@GAUAHAR_KHAN When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.. U hold Ur head up high darling
Gauahar Khan herself hadn't spoken out about the incident until December 2, when she made this spot-on statement to the press:
View this video on YouTube
She slammed her attacker, not for his beliefs, but for his method of expressing them:
She spoke up in defense of her own freedom of expression:
And she had an important message for all of India's girls and women:
The well-deserved outpouring of support hasn't slowed:
I thank all my fans...loved ones n imp voices of personalities tat hav supported me in dis traumatic time..May almighty bless us all.
Good on you, Gauahar.
