Akshay Kumar steps down as tobacco brand ambassador after backlash, says 'I am sorry'

Akshay Kumar has now announced his decision to step down as the brand ambassador of a pan masala brand. The actor even apologised to his fans in his statement.

Akshay Kumar was recently trolled for his association with a pan masala brand. After facing many backlash from his fans, the actor has now announced that he will no longer be the ambassador of the tobacco brand he had signed up for. Akshay Kumar made the announcement by issuing a statement on social media at midnight on Thursday, April 21. He even apologised to his fans.

Akshay Kumar was the latest Bollywood star to join the pan masala brand promos for their cardamom products after Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. It is a brand that also sells tobacco products. His decision was not well received by fans. Akshay has now apologised to his fans with a note on Instagram. He also stepped back as the ambassador of the brand. 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)."

The Bollywood actor also announced that he has decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause. He added, "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)."

Check out his post below:

In the recent ad of 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 of him in which he was speaking against consuming alcohol and tobacco products.

On the work front, Akshay Kumar was last seen in Bachchhan Paandey. His upcoming projects include Raksha Bandhan, Ram Setu, Prithviraj and Selfiee.