Mumbai, October 18: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday defended actor Nana Patekar who has been accused of sexual harassment by a Bollywood actress. Although Raj Thackeray called Nana Patekar indecent, he said he believes the actor is innocent. He added that the court would look into the matter.

"I know Nana Patekar. He is indecent. He does crazy things, but I don't think he can do such a thing. Court will look into it," the MNS chief said at an event in Amravati. Reacting to the #MeToo movement, Thackeray said the campaign should not be debated on social media. He also said the #MeToo campaign could be an attempt to divert public attention from real issues. Nana Patekar Distances Himself from Housefull 4.

"What is the media to do with it? #MeToo is a serious matter, the debate over it on Twitter isn't right," the MNS leader said. He further stated that if any woman faces something unwarranted, she can approach the MNS for help. Thackeray also said that women should raise their voice as and when they suffer oppression, and not after ten years. #MeToo Movement: After Nana Patekar, Alok Nath and Vikas Bahl, Now Piyush Mishra Accused of Inappropriate Behaviour.

"It seems it is being done to divert attention from petrol price, rupee value, and unemployment. If anything like #MeToo happens, women can come to MNS. We will teach a lesson to accused. Women must raise the voice when they face oppression, not after ten years," the MNS chief said.

The #MeToo movement gained momentum in India after Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of allegedly misbehaving with her during a film shoot in 2008. Since then, scores of women have come out to speak about their ordeals on social media, including actors, musicians, journalists, and politics.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2018 04:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).