American vlogger couple Mackenzie and Keenan, renowned for their viral travel videos, have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment during their visit to the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala. The festival, known for its vibrant celebrations, concluded last week, but the aftermath has taken a concerning turn.

In a video titled ‘Questionable Moments at Thrissur Pooram’, posted on their Instagram page yesterday, Mackenzie and Keenan shared distressing encounters they faced during their time at the festival. The footage captured a man attempting to forcibly kiss Mackenzie after engaging in conversation with her, while Keenan recounted an incident where he was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man in his 50s and had to push him away.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Kerala police have stated that they have not received any formal complaint from the couple regarding the incidents. However, they mentioned that the accused individual seen in the video has been identified.

The couple expressed mixed feelings about their experience at Thrissur Pooram, acknowledging the festivities but highlighting the unsettling encounters they faced. They described the atmosphere as “frisky”, implying a sense of discomfort amidst the celebrations.

The emergence of these allegations sheds light on the importance of ensuring safety and security for all attendees at cultural events and festivals. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent such incidents.

As the story unfolds, the allegations made by Mackenzie and Keenan serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding harassment and the need for continuous efforts to address and prevent such behavior in public spaces.