Pakistani actor Arslan Butt has spoken publicly about the controversy surrounding harassment allegations made against him by actress Mamya Shajaffar, firmly denying the claims.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by Fareeha, Arslan Butt reflected on the emotional toll the controversy has taken on him. During the conversation, the host pointed out that online bullying can sometimes become so severe that it pushes people toward extreme decisions. Responding to the remark, Butt said he is not someone who would allow such circumstances to break him, although he admitted the allegations had deeply hurt him.
The actor said he has spent years building his career and reputation, both in Pakistan and internationally, and that no one had ever questioned his character before. According to him, the accusations had the potential to damage everything he had worked hard to achieve.
When asked how he managed to stay calm despite the intense public scrutiny, Arslan said his approach was simple: "Patience, patience, and patience." Rather than responding with anger or engaging in online arguments, he explained that he chose to pursue the matter through legal channels because he believes the courts are the proper place to seek justice.
The controversy began after Mamya Shajaffar shared her experience during an appearance on Iffat Omar's online talk show. She alleged that an actor named "Arsalan" had behaved inappropriately and threatened her while they were working together on the drama Meesni. Initially, many viewers believed she was referring to actor Arslan Khan, but she later clarified that he was not the person she meant. The conversation later revealed that the actor being referred to was Arslan Butt.
Arslan Butt firmly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and claiming they were made to attract attention. He subsequently served Mamya Shajaffar with a legal notice for defamation, after which she responded with a legal counter-notice seeking damages of Rs1 billion.
The actor also spoke about the long-term impact such allegations can have on a person's professional life, saying accusations of this nature should never be taken lightly because they can seriously affect an individual's reputation and career. Despite the controversy, he maintained that he remains confident the legal process will establish the facts.
The interview clip quickly went viral across social media, sparking widespread discussion about public allegations, online criticism and the impact such controversies can have on a person's reputation.
Arslan Butt is a well-known Pakistani television actor and model, recognized for his performances in dramas Haqiqat, Korangi Kay Sarangi, Ghari Do Ghari, Sara Sajeeda, Meri Baji, Naseebon Jali, Main Haar Nahi Manun Gi, Ajnabi Lagay Zindagi, Nalaiq and Bharam. Most recently, he earned praise for his performance in HUM TV's hit drama Hadd.