Sexist comment row: Siddharth apologies to Saina; says she'll always be his champion

Actor Siddharth has been under fire for making sexist comments against badminton champion Saina Nehwal. He has drawn a lot of flak on the internet from his tweet.

Parupalli Kashyap, the husband of Saina, also took to Twitter, saying he was not expecting such a comment from a celebrity.

This is upsetting for us … express ur opinion but choose better words man . I guess u thought it was cool to say it this way . #notcool #disgraceful @Actor_Siddharth

— Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) January 10, 2022

Under pressure, the actor apologized to Saina on social media.

"Dear Saina, I want to apologize to you for the 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 in the letter.

Dear @NSaina pic.twitter.com/plkqxVKVxY

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) January 11, 2022

"I, however, must insist my wordplay and humor 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," he said.