Gauahar Khan Paid to get Slapped for Publicity Stunt? Accused Claims 'India's Raw Star' Host Promised him a Role in 'Dabangg 3' [VIDEO]

While the shocking incident in which "India's Raw Star" host Gauahar Khan was slapped by a man on the sets of the reality show is still fresh in the minds of the public, a new twist has come up in the whole controversy.

Surprisingly, the accused Mohammad Akil Malik, has now told a section of the media that the incident of slapping Gauahar in public was pre-planned.

Malik, who was later arrested by Mumbai Police for molesting the actress had previously stated that he slapped Gauahar for wearing short dresses despite being a Muslim. However, in a recent interview with Zee News, Malik asserts that he agreed to conduct the crime as she assured to get him a role in Salman Khan's "Dabangg 3".

When asked why he changed his statement, Malik said that the "Bigg Boss 7" winner promised to forgive him in front of the police and get him the role, but her failing to keep her words made him speak the truth.

He even mentioned that it was also pre-decided as to what should be his statement to the police when arrested.

In a video shared on YouTube, Malik, a junior artist, had told that he met Gauahar on 28 November, two days before the incident took place. Until then, he didn't know who Gauahar was.

The slapgate incident that took place on 30 November, raised a huge question on the safety of the celebrities in film fraternity and several Bollywood celebs extended their support to Gauahar.

Check out Mohammad Akil Malik's version of the statement in the video below:

Gauahar, on the other hand, has rubbished the allegations of paying the accused Malik.

On Sunday evening, "India's Raw Star" host issued a statement: "This is my one and only response to the most ridiculous claim made by an accused who attacked me, went to jail for it and came out only to prove even more what a threat he is to normal living in India for girls, and also the weak stature even the media gives to a girl who especially belongs to the film or TV world." 

"I have never in my life met this man before I saw him charging at me on 'India's Raw Star' finale. I don't want to give him the two seconds of fame he desperately wants by clarifying any of his rubbish claims," she added.

While many seem to believe the accused's version of the statement, several fans of Gauahar are coming out in support of her on Twitter.

"U cn Break down a Woman temporarily bu' a Real woman wil always pick up de pieces rebuild herself n cum bak STRONGER.. datz My @GAUAHAR_KHAN", Preeti Simoes, creative director of "Comedy nights with Kapil" tweeted.

The Sikander: "Gauhar Khan attacker said she paid him to slap her.Waiting for Uber driver to claim victim paid to rape her."

sameekshasurana: "@GAUAHAR_KHAN I am ashamed to see that instead of realizing his mistake that guy trying to gain publicity n speaking wrong about u...shit"

Safira Halani: "@GAUAHAR_KHAN has more dignity&self respect than to stage a slap 2 create halla in bollywood & promise the guy a role in #Dabangg3 #nonsense."