Chennai: After receiving flak for a couple of days for his sexist tweet, Rang De Basanti actor Siddharth wrote an open letter to shuttler Saina Nehwal apologising for his 'rude joke'. The actor also claimed that he was a staunch feminist ally and there was no gender implied in his tweet.
The controversy started after Saina Nehwal tweeted, "No nation can itself to safe if the security of its own PM is compromised. I condemn in the strongest words possible the cowardly attack on PM Modi by anarchists."
Soon after the tweet, actor Siddharth in response said, "Subtle cock champion of the world... Thank god we have protectors of India (sic)."
The 'sexist' remark against an Olympic medallist sparked a controversy.
Following this, the actor in an open letter on Tuesday said, “I want to apologise to you for the rude joke that KI wrote as a response to a tweet of yours, a few days ago. I may disagree with you on many things but even my disappointment or anger when I read your tweet, cannot justify my tone and words. I know I have more grace in me than that.”
“As for the joke, if a joke needs to be explained, then it wasn't a very good joke to begin with. Sorry about a joke that didn't land. I however, must insist my wordplay and humour had none of the malicious intent that so many people from all quarters have attributed to it,” he said.
Further, the actor said, “I am a staunch feminist ally and I assure you there was no gender implied in my tweet and certainly no intent to attack you as a woman. I hope we can put this behind us and that you will accept my letter. You will always be my Champion.”