“I was assured that Feroze [Khan] wouldn’t be present at LSA”: says Osman Khalid Butt

Osman Khalid Butt shared a reason why he agreed to perform at the lux Style Awards after it nominated and rewarded an alleged domestic abuser.

Actor Osman Khalid Butt who is very vocal about social issues like women’s rights, domestic violence and freedom of speech cleared his stance amid backlash and people calling him out for “celebrating and cheering on abusers” at LSA.

Today, the actor shared a long note on Twitter in response, explaining what happened. Osman said he was contacted a week before the awards and invited to pay tribute to Nazia Hassan, who was awarded the Changemaker Award posthumously and also to co-host a segment. This was before nominations had been announced.

He wrote, “My only reservation — which I made clear before agreeing — was that I could not attend, let alone perform at the ceremony if Feroze [Khan] was present there (which has absolutely nothing to do with his acting prowess, and everything to do with the very serious allegations levied by his ex-wife), and I was assured that he would not. That commitment was honored”.

“I did my job to the best of my abilities, ensured my hosting segment was free of any controversial nominations, and yes, enjoyed every moment of that dance routine. Contractual obligations aside, I will not downplay what an honour and privilege that was. It is unfortunate that that moment was eclipsed by controversy”, Butt went on.

“I have advocated for causes I believe in for more than a decade, fought battles that have been detrimental to my career in this industry without fear (and at times without advertisement) — and I will continue to raise my voice: feminism is not a brand I wear, it is ingrained in my very being”, Osman said.

In response to those who still have questions, and those who passed judgment.
Here's what happened. pic.twitter.com/0rjwkHtHkd

— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) November 27, 2022

“It has been incredibly demoralising reading some of the posts on the cesspool that is social media, peppered with lies calling me out for ‘celebrating and cheering on abusers’ (?!), labelling me a ‘bika hua’ [sellout] ‘selective activist/hypocrite’ who raises his voice for ‘clout’. (Someone please let me know how I have benefitted from this ‘clout’). But then I remind myself that I don’t do what I do for your or anyone’s validation. However, one part of your condemnation I fully endorse: do not put anyone up on a pedestal”, Osman addressed the online criticism he is receiving.