Mumbai: Comedian Abish Mathew took to social media to issue an apology for mocking former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in his nine-year-old tweet. Several Twitter users expressed their displeasure over Mathew’s ’offensive’ post and demanded his arrest after his old tweet re-surfaced on the internet. Abish trended on Twitter on Wednesday (May 19) as several users slammed him for sharing a ‘sexist’ and ‘casteist’ post against the BSP leader in 2012. 


The comedian apologised to the women for his ‘poorly-worded tweet’ and lamented the ‘misogynistic’ tone of his joke. He added that he regretted the choice of words he used in his post.  


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“When a tweet of mine from 2012 resurfaced and I can immediately see the sexism in it. I'd like to begin by offering an unconditional apology to women everywhere who have been hurt by my poorly-worded tweet. I'm aware that an apology can't undo the damage caused by the misogynistic and discriminatory tone of my awful joke and for that I am genuinely repentant,” Abish said in a statement.  



"This joke was made 9 years ago when I was clearly ignorant, immature and tone deaf. I assure you that I have evolved since then and strive to be better each day. There is still a lot for me to learn and unlearn. I am grateful to those who have highlighted my offensive post and given me an opportunity to reflect and apologise for my mistakes," he added. 


Abish promised to use different platforms to create awareness about the rights of women and communities that he had offended. 


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"The privilege of being a recognizable figure with access to minds is what I clearly took for granted. Moving forward here's what I can and will do. I will use every platform at my disposal to create awareness on the rights of women and communities that I have offended," he said.


"I will continue to educate myself and I promise to do much, much more as an ally-especially to those who I have hurt and let down. I offer my sincere & contrite apology. I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me,” he concluded. 


Watch this space for more updates!