Statement to Hema Committee: FEFKA removes makeup artist from union

Kochi: A union of makeup artists in the Kerala film industry cancelled the membership of a sexual harassment survivor, also a makeup artist, over giving statements to the Hema Committee and the Special Investigation Team that investigated sexual abuse allegations in the industry. All Kerala Cine Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Union removed makeup artist Sivappriya Maneeshya from the organisation, which operates under the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), The News Minute reported.

The organisation cited a dispute as the reason behind Sivappriya’s removal.

Sivappriya told TNM that the organisations informed her of the removal via an email on January 10. She said that she was insulted in an unofficial WhatsApp group following her testimony to the Hema Committee.

“They want us to silently suffer these insults, which I can't. FEFKA is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” TNM quoted her.

Meanwhile, what is to be particularly noted is that Sivappriya got her membership cancelled on the same day FEFKA stood in solidarity with actor Honey Rose in her sexual harassment case against jeweller Bobby Chemmanur.

Sivappriya said that the actress definitely deserves support, but the makeup artists in the industry deserve the same, too. She said that the union is protecting all the accused while targeting her, she said.

She said that she would file a complaint with the state Labour Minister and initiate legal action against FEFKA. She will demand compensation for wasting seven years of her career, TNM reported.

As per two FIRs registered based on the complaint by Sivappriya, makeup artists Saji Koratty and Ratheesh Ambady were booked. She had alleged that in incidents that happened in 2018 and 2023, Saji sought sexual favours from her while Ratheesh sent indecent messages to her on WhatsApp.