Actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi on Saturday said that he was willing to apologise to the woman journalist if his behaviour was inappropriate.
The actor was accused of misbehaving with a woman journalist during a press meeting in Kozhikode on Friday. A video that surfaced online purportedly shows Gopi placing his hand on the shoulder of the journalist, who pushes it away twice.
“I merely tried to move her to one side when she blocked my way multiple times. I am a father. I am willing to apologise to her like a father,” the actor said while responding to the media on Saturday. Suresh Gopi added that he tried to contact the journalist multiple times after the incident to offer his apology.
The actor also said that he would stop speaking to the media if the witch-hunt continues.
Suresh Gopi also posted an apology note on his social media page.
"I behaved in the most caring manner while interacting with the woman journalist in front of her peers. Until this day, I have never behaved inappropriately in public or otherwise. However, I value the sentiments or emotions the journalist felt during the incident. If she felt offended or emotionaly tormented by my behaviour, I'd like to apologise. Sorry," he said in an Instagram post.
The Kerala Union of Working Journalists had on Friday demanded an unconditional apology from the actor following the incident. In a statement, the KUWJ said the BJP leader's behaviour was an insult to all working women. Network of Women in India (NWMI) have also condemned the incident. The forum also demanded the state goverment to take suitable action against the actor under POSH Act 2013.
Sources close to the journalist said a police complaint will be filed on Saturday.
