Akshay Kumar cancels 'Housefull 4' shoot

Director Sajid Khan Friday announced his departure from Housefull 4 in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment against him by two women. In a post on Twitter, Sajid said he was taking the "moral responsibility" to step down till he can allay the allegations.

"In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producer and the stars of my film Housefull 4, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth.. Request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out," he said. His departure comes following

sexual harassment allegations made by actor Saloni Chopra and a journalist.

The film's lead star Akshay Kumar also announced that the film's shooting has been put on hold for now. "I've just landed back in the country last night and reading all the news has been very disturbing. I've requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation," he wrote.

The statement comes after grave allegations against Sajid, has been named by multiple women, including two female actors – Sonali Chopra and Rachel White – and one journalist for sexual misconduct.

Akshay's wife Twinkle KHanna also asked the film's cast to a "firm stand" on the allegations against the director of this film.