Actress Kangana Ranaut has been asked to tender a public apology by the media fraternity in the wake of her recent ugly spat with a wire service journalist at a press event of her forthcoming film "JudgeMentall Hai Kya".
The incident occurred when Kangana questioned the journalist's negative comments on her last release, "Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi".
A heated exchange followed, setting off a debate on social media, leaving netizens divided over whether the actress's behaviour was right.
Condemning Kangana's behaviour towards the journalist, a section of social media users asked the media to "boycott" her.
Members of the Entertainment Journalists' Guild of India (EJGI) have collectively decided to boycott Kangana Ranaut.
"Sick mindset. If this doesn't deserve an apology now, then Bollywood media should boycott Kangana," a user tweeted.
"See this unruly behaviour of Kangana Ranaut clearly misusing her position to intimidate and falsely accuse the journalist," wrote another user.
The members have now sent a letter to Ekta, where Kangana's behaviour has been termed as "un-called for"
The letter reads: "We, the members of Entertainment Journalists' Guild of India, demand a written public statement from you, Balaji Films and Ms Ranaut, condemning the incident and in particular Ms Ranaut's behaviour. We as a guild, collectively decided to boycott Ms Ranaut and give any media coverage.
"Rest assured, we will not let this matter affect 'Judementall Hai Kya' in any manner and will be supportive of your film and other cast members, barring Ms Ranaut."
The Entertainment Journalists' Guild has been formed, in the light of the incident that happened with the reporter on July 7. It is yet to be registered.
The body will safeguard the interests of our fraternity and address issues that entertainment journalists face on a daily basis be it with actors, producers or publicist, Guild member said.
The film is slated for a July 26 release.
