Popular TikToker, makeup artist, and actor Ayesha Butt has spoken candidly about the harassment and alleged casting couch culture she encountered while pursuing a career in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. She shared her experiences during a recent appearance on a podcast.

Ayesha, who commands a social media following of nearly 400,000, said she relocated to Karachi with hopes of establishing herself in showbiz. However, she claimed her journey was marred by inappropriate demands from certain producers and industry insiders, who allegedly tried to exploit her position as a newcomer.

“I was told that I could only get work if I agreed to sleep with certain producers,” she said. “Despite completing multiple photoshoots, stills, and web series projects, my work was either shelved or heavily cut because I refused these offers.”

She highlighted her involvement in projects such as the drama serial Sotan and said she worked alongside actors including Agha Shiraz, Saleem Mairaj, and Sohail Sameer. Ayesha also recounted an unsettling encounter with photographer Munna Mushtaq, alleging he made inappropriate advances toward her. “After that, I decided to leave the media industry,” she said.

The TikToker further alleged that an unnamed actor associated with the hit drama Mere Paas Tum Ho made indecent propositions and pressured her to comply in exchange for career advancement. “Even though he has a wife in the industry, he chased me and told me that this was the only way to succeed,” Ayesha stated.

Following these experiences, Ayesha chose to step away from the entertainment world and redirect her efforts toward building her salon business. She emphasized that she now focuses on professional growth through hard work and talent, without compromising her personal values.