South Indian actor Siddharth has issued a public apology for his misleading tweet directed at Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal. As per PTI reports, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist has accepted the apology after the unsavoury remarks. The short matter had led Siddharth to be on the gunpoint of several personalities which also included Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju.
In a brief letter, Siddharth has accepted the mistake and had urged that people have taken the comment in an ill manner.
"Dear Saina, I want to apologise to you for my rude joke that I 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," he said.
"I hope we can put this behind us and that you will accept my letter. You will always be my Champion. Honestly, Siddharth," he added in his apology letter.
Heavy criticism
The issue came to light when Siddharth replied to Saina's comment on PM Narendra Modi's security breach in Punjab. Siddharth's tweet included a sexual remark and was met with heavy criticism on the social media platform.
Former Union Sports Minister and current Law and Justice Minister, Rijiju replied, "India is proud of Saina Nehwal for her outstanding contributions in making India a sporting powerhouse. She is a steadfast patriot besides being an Olympic medalist. Making a cheap comment on such an icon personality depicts a person's ignoble mentality.”
The National Commission for Women (NCW) even asked to block the South Indian star's Twitter account with immediate effect to condemn his actions. Siddharth though has claimed that it was a 'rude joke' and was not meant to hurt anyone, specifically Saina.
Apology acknowledged
The star shuttler acknowledged the act of apology and said,
“He only said it and he is now apologising. I was surprised to see myself trending on Twitter that day. I haven't spoken to him but I am happy that he apologised.
"See, it is about women, he shouldn't target a woman like that but it's okay, I am not bothered about it, I am happy in my space and god bless him," she added.
The 31-year-old has now focused on her game after she advanced to the next round of the India Open, a BWF Tour 500 tournament, currently held in KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in Delhi. Her opponent Tereza Svabikova was forced to retire after the first game.
Saina won the first game 22-20 before her Czech Republic opponent gave her a walkover into the next round.
