Akshay Kumar steps down as Tobacco Brand Ambassador after facing backlash, says ‘I am sorry’

After receiving backlash for promoting a pan masala brand, actor Akshay Kumar announced that he has stepped back as ambassador. At midnight, the actor took to Twitter and apologized to his fans saying that he would be more cautious about the brands that he endorses in the future.

Akshay Kumar made the announcement by issuing a statement on social media. His note read, “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. 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 (sic).”

He further wrote: “I have decided to contribute 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. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes (sic).”

In the recent ad for the pan masala brand, Shah Rukh and Ajay Devgn were seen welcoming Akshay Kumar to the ‘Vimal universe’. All of them struck the Vimal salute and chewed on the Elaichi (cardamom). Akshay fans were unhappy with this. They also shared old videos of him in which he was speaking against consuming alcohol and tobacco products.

On the work front, Akshay was last seen in ‘Bachchhan Paandey’. He will be next seen in ‘Raksha Bandhan’, ‘Ram Setu’, ‘Prithviraj’, and ‘Selfiee’.