Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has apologised on his social media account for endorsing a tobacco product.
The Atrangi Re actor took to Instagram and apologised and promised to do better. The 54-year-old actor issued an official statement on his Instagram following the backlash.
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“I am sorry. I would like to apologise to you, all my fans and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me,” he wrote in a lengthy note. “While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi. With all humility, I step back.”
Kumar added that he will donate the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. “The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices.
The Bell Bottom actor was featured in an ad for Vimal Elaichi alongside actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgan. The ad was posted on YouTube on April 16 and stirred up a storm on social media as netizens called out Kumar for going against his past claims about living a healthy life, devoid of drugs and alcohol.
