Escaping the controversy, Salman Khan jets to IIFA

With the controversy around his 'rape' comment refusing to abate, Salman Khan did the next best thing to an apology – fly away to Madrid. The Dabangg (2010) star is set to perform at the International Indian Film Academy event this weekend. Khan's departure comes amid a growing clamour among the public and some members of the film fraternity that he should apologise for his insensitive comment.

Though the actor had retracted the statement immediately, his comparison of rape with the exertions caused by the demanding shooting of his upcoming film Sultan did not go down well. Apart from the National Commission for Women demanding an apology, several prominent names have suggested that the actor would do well to apologise. 

Salman Khan's father Salim Khan has already tweeted his apologies for the incident. Kangana Ranaut called the comments 'horrible' while Renuka Shahane, who co-starred with Khan in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) tweeted for Salman Khan to 'Be Human'. 

She was not alone. Sonali Bendre, another former co-star of Khan, took to Twitter to express her disapproval of the comment. 

Meanwhile, Khan quietly took a flight to Madrid for the IIFA event. The actor is one of the star performers at the event that will last from 23 June to 26 June. The actor also posted a selfie with Ameesha Patel on board. 

By the looks of it, Salman Khan is in the mood to party. The rest can wait.