Rang De Basanti Actor Siddharth faced extreme backlash recently for his ‘subtle cock’ dig at badminton champion Saina Nehwal.
The controversy got heated as netizens assumed the actor was using a ‘sexist’ comment for Saina. He later clarified that he’d meant it as – ‘cock and bull story’!
(Cock and Bull Story means – a story that is not true, especially one given as an explanation or excuse)
Though he didn’t have any malicious intent, looks like his poorly worded reference didn’t land among the audience. After facing the netizens’ ire, Siddharth took to Twitter to apologise for his remark and reassure that he was a feminist ally who had not meant to attack her as a woman.
Here is Siddharth’s Apology Letter To Saina Nehwal –
‘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.
I, however must insist my word play and humour had none of the malicious intent that so many people from all quarters have attributed to it. 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.
Honestly,
Siddharth”