Salman Khan simply cannot go too many days without stirring up a controversy. He has unwittingly sparked off a storm of outrage on social media, ever since a recent video of his started doing the rounds. His co-star Jacqueline Fernandez posted a video of her and Salman Khan on reality dance talent show, Dance Deewane. They were there to promote their upcoming starrer, Race 3. She added the caption, “Kids usually love me, this boy was an exception.. at least I got my hug in the end.”
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The video shows Salman asking a 7-year-old child participant if he wants to hug Jacqueline. The child immediately says no. But Salman isn’t taking no for an answer. He brings Jacqueline on stage, leads her up to the kid and forces him to hug the actress, twice. This, while the show’s judges, including Madhuri Dixit, and Race 3 star Anil Kapoor watch on.
While it all might have been very cute for Salman and his pals, social media has erupted against his act. It has been pointed out that the star has blithely ignored the child’s wish not to be hugged, completely disregarding the concept of consent.
The reactions have been pouring in, swift and critical. One user drips sarcasm, writing, “Negating consent and all that we are teaching kids about how their bodies are theirs. *slow clap*” Another is horrified by the star, who “practically coerces a little boy on a reality show (who says he does not want to hug her) into giving her a hug. Infuriating!”
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One user even tagged the Ministry of Women and Child Development, commenting, “@Asli_Jacqueline asks for a hug. The child responds with a firm and unequivocal no. So @BeingSalmanKhan steps in and forces him?”
“@BeingSalmanKhan @Asli_Jacqueline If a kid repeatedly says he doesn't want to hug you, shouldn't you probably respect his wishes and consent and mind your own business and understand simple "NO",” wrote one user, hashtagging the reply with #WeToo #Metoomovement.
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In the light of the recent controversy in February where Papon kissed a minor participant of a music show, it’s time proper guidelines are shared with the judges and guests of all shows involving children.
