Hasnain Lehri Responds to Nimra Jacob Assault Allegations

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KARACHI In a shocking turn of events, Pakistani models Hasnain Lehri and Nimra Jacob have been embroiled in controversy following an alleged incident at the Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) fashion show during the Textile EXPO in this year (TEXPO2023).

A video released by a Pakistani tabloid captured Lehri involved in a heated argument in the presence of other models, including Jacob.

The video depicts a tense situation as the female models surrounded Jacob, who appeared visibly shaken by the alleged incident. The argument unfolded as Lehri vehemently denied the charges. As some individuals held Lehri back, a group of models surrounded Jacob, who was about to shed a few tears.

The model took to Instagram Stories to air her side of the story. She said, “You can’t mistreat me. You can’t threaten me. You can’t intimidate me. And you will surely not get your hands on me without suffering the consequences. Jacob has expressed his reluctance to tolerate the abuse, disrespect and neglect for the safety of models in the fashion industry any longer. She pointed out that she had no forgiveness for abuse, harassment, bullying, assault and similar offenses.

Lehri, on the other hand, has denied all charges of physical altercation and abuse. He stated that Jacob initially behaved badly with him and claimed that his actions were only in response to his provocations. Lehri explained that the argument arose after Jacob deliberately bumped into him while walking up the ramp and continued backstage insulting his late father. He admitted to taking her phone but denied assaulting or physically abusing her.

Lehri insisted that witnesses could verify the verbal argument and revealed that organizers and choreographers were present during the altercation. He alleged that Jacob had a history of unprofessional behavior and had issues with other models in the past. Lehri expressed his refusal to be manipulated by anyone and his commitment to fighting bullies. He questioned the validity of the allegations, pointing out that if he had committed a physical assault, the police would not have allowed him to leave the scene.

Event organizer Tehmina Khaled dismissed allegations of lax security and abuse. She called the incident a long-running feud and called it a “childish catfight.” Khaled said the altercation happened after the show officially ended and she denied any physical contact between the models. She stressed that security was in place for this high-profile event and that it was not possible for such an exhibition to lack security measures.

Support for Jacob poured in from other industry players, with model Zara Peerzada calling for an end to the hiring of violent men and stressing the importance of intervening in cases of abuse. Fashion designer Kamiar Rokni echoed the need to tackle toxic male behavior and create a safe space for models. Model Farwa Ali Kazmi expressed her solidarity with the girls involved, called for accountability and expressed her disappointment in those who stood by.

Fashion designer Kamiar Rokni expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing the urgent need to establish a safe environment for models. “Tackling toxic male behavior within the fashion industry is crucial,” he said. “Violence against women backstage at a fashion show is absolutely unacceptable. We must come together to ensure this does not happen again and work to create a safe space for our models. They are an indispensable part of our industry, and we cannot sit idly by while they face abuse.”

Joining in support for Jacob, prominent model Farwa Ali Kazmi called for accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter. “I stand in solidarity with the girls who endured this traumatic incident,” Kazmi wrote. “Shame on those who simply watched without acting, except for Sachal Afzal, who stood up for these girls. It is never okay to use physical violence against another person, especially women. Threatening and missing out of respect to others is completely unacceptable. It is discouraging when individuals claim to respect women but act contrary to their words. It breaks my heart to have known this person and believed in their goodness. is shocking how someone can have multiple faces and personalities.

Model Eman Suleman added, “Let’s not pretend this hasn’t happened before. We have heard stories, and many of you have witnessed the violent tendencies this man has exhibited in the past. He would have had to be held accountable earlier, but that the industry tends to protect toxic men.”

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