Akshay Kumar steps down as ambassador of tobacco brand, issues apology

After receiving backlash for promoting tobacco, Akshay Kumar has announced that he will no longer be the ambassador of the pan masala brand Vimal Elaichi.

Late on Wednesday, the actor issued an apologetic statement on social media that 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."

The actor also stated that he would donate his entire endorsement fee to a worthy cause. He added, "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."

Akshay was recently seen in a Vimal Elaichi ad where he was welcomed to the ‘Vimal universe' by actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, who have been associated with the brand for some time. 

This did not go down well with the actor's fans and they dug up an old clip where the actor stated that despite receiving several offers, he would never appear in a gutka ad as he believed in the concept of a 'healthy India'.

I had forgotten that all these actors are only actors...
There is acting in everything..@akshaykumar .. 😥 pic.twitter.com/2AW00wHorh

— 𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥 🇮🇳 (@CmayashDharewal) April 20, 2022

On the work front, Akshay will be next seen in Prithviraj, Rakshabandhan and Ram Setu.