(Adnkronos) – A MeToo scandal erupts in Iran. A young actress, Melika Parsadoost, has reported being a victim of rape, publicly accusing one of Iran’s most famous film stars, actor and former footballer Pejman Jamshidi. The incident, confirmed on social media by the 20-year-old actress, has sparked a wide debate in the country about sexual abuse and violence in the entertainment industry.
“I don’t want any girl’s or woman’s life to be threatened by similar experiences,” Parsadoost wrote on Instagram, as reported by local media. “I will defend my rights to the end, not for revenge, but so that such behavior does not become the norm and others are not forced to suffer similar things,” she added.
About two weeks ago, Jamshidi – who has always firmly denied the accusations, calling them “slander and lies” – was anonymously reported as the alleged perpetrator of a rape. Since then, the case has dominated the front pages of Iranian media, fueling speculation about the identity of the accuser, until Melika Parsadoost’s name emerged. After a brief detention, the actor was released on bail and left Iran citing family reasons, while assuring that he intends to return to the country to defend himself.
