In a bizarre development, BJP Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi's video on Saturday went viral with the claims that she attacked & abused a video journalist who was present at her house. At first, Shazia Ilmi's video was shared by a random social media user with the caption, "BJP spokesperson @shaziailmi attacked & abused India Today video journalist after a heated argument with the TV host...". In the viral video, Shazia can be seen removing her mic and standing up. All of a sudden, Shazia started screaming in anger. Shazia can be heard saying, "Get out of my house..shut up its my house.."
Reacting to it, journalist Rajdeep Sardesai wrote, "Ma’am, @shaziailmi I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid cross talk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too. But for you to chuck the Mike and abuse our video journalist and throw him out of your house is just NOT done. He was only doing his job. No excuse for bad behaviour. The rest I leave to you. Have a good weekend .. (the video below is from last night.. )"
Thereafter, Shazia Ilmi issued a clarification and lambasted Rajdeep Sardesai in a big note which reads-
"Thanks for providing me with the EVIDENCE which clearly shows how your camera man behaved after the show
1. Why on earth would I stay on your show when you humiliate me and say CUT SHAZIA’s Mike off ? Only because I asked you whether you think all the Defence Chiefs are lying.
Don’t know about you but I have SELF RESPECT.
2. I have a FOOT FRACTURE .
Your cameraman knew it ( we even discussed it as he had coffee and biscuits in my house ) .
When you decided to cut my audio I saw little point staying on your terribly biased show.
Your cameraman watched me struggle as I got up and continued to film me trying to remove my mike, instead of helping me with the wheelchair.
3. Why was he still continuing to focus on MY UPPER BODY showing it up close. It was so uncomfortable for me and I felt most embarrassed.
Any lady would tell you that focussing on their chest is a clear NO NO.
I could see this live on screen and requested him not to film me any or switch off the camera light.
4. The pervert cameraman continued to film me despite my obvious physical and emotional discomfort after the show was over . Why ?
5. Why would he keep filming him in my home , my SAFE place against my WILL. And that too , AFTER the show ?
6. Just because you’re a famous anchor (just as much you’re a sore loser) doesn’t mean you can humiliate people who call you out and force your crews on people , beyond the brief and violate their private space.
7. And I dare @indiatoday to show footage of my upper body and chest again.
8. I will take this matter up seriously as I was deeply hurt and humiliated by this behaviour.
I have a right to choose what I want up show on air and I object to the lens focusing on my body and not my face AFTER the show .
9 It’s my house @sardesairajdeep and I’m curious whether your wife would entertain a crew shooting her remove her mike from up close and then follow her around after show .
Thanks for providing this VIDEO EVIDENCE , which clearly shows how the lecherous camera man is continuing to film me despite me not wanting to be ON air."