Akshay Kumar's Apology After Vimal Ad Backfires As Internet Digs Out His Old Cigarette Ad
After facing massive backlash for becoming the face of a tobacco brand, Akshay Kumar posted a public apology on April 21 that he was withdrawing his association with the brand.
Akshay Kumar's association with Vimal has snowballed into a controversy. Akshay's association with Vimal irked fans who called him out for being a 'hypocrite'.
Following the backlash, the 'Khiladi' actor had to cut off his association immediately.
After facing massive backlash for becoming the face of a tobacco brand, Akshay Kumar posted a public apology on April 21 that he was withdrawing his association with the brand.
¡ª Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 20, 2022
Akshay appeared in a commercial with Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn for Vimal Elaichi, advertised as silver-coated cardamom with saffron.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Akshay Kumar claimed that he "has not and will not" endorse tobacco.
However, the internet researched and found an old Akshay commercial where he is seen endorsing a popular cigarette brand of the 90s.
Pointing out the actor's hypocrisy, people slammed Akshay for apologizing and making false claims, especially when the history hints otherwise.
Digging out his old commercials, fans pointed out Akshay Kumar's hypocrisy.
Red & White bhul chuke the log,,, bas aapne fhir yaad dila diya,,,, paisa kuch bhi karwa sakta hai.... pic.twitter.com/14So6nV1ld
¡ª MAHESHH KKADAM (@maheshh_kkadam) April 20, 2022
What about Red and White,
¡ª Speak Up (@ram030688) April 21, 2022
Was it an oxygen pump?
Your Red and White ads of late 90s are still doing rounds after 23 yrs, and you think this will be forgotten? ?
¡ª Jambudweep Moolnivasi (@ShwetankSeeks) April 20, 2022
You have not endorsed Tobacco?
¡ª Jagrit (@Flying___Bee) April 21, 2022
Red & white bhool gya kya?
Akshay Kumar In Red & White Cigarette Advertisement. pic.twitter.com/1N7KgGCZRu
¡ª joker ? (@rajasthanijoker) April 21, 2022
Say what u want to say, but till those ads keep running, your reputation will keep receiving heavy blows. Ek letter likh dene se public bhool nahi jaati.
¡ª Dr. Swapniel ('??????'??) (@drswapniel) April 21, 2022
Waise chronology to hai.. pehle red & white cigarettes, ab vimal.. agli baar loose tobacco aur choona bhi promote karoge sir !
Akshay Kumar asked sorry for endorsement of #vimal but not for Red& white cigarettes & Baba elachi !
¡ª Thanos Pandit 2.0? (@thanos_panditji) April 21, 2022
Anyways "Bolo zuban se sorry" #AkshayKumar pic.twitter.com/ECWIl1hVch
"While I have not endorsed tobacco"!! Cigarettes are made of gulkand kya? Liar.
¡ª Ujval Nanavati (@cynical_ujval) April 21, 2022
And then there's Bagpiper. And sugary colas. Pity a country where a person like you is a role model of success. pic.twitter.com/LZoOwmKaV7
Since it is an honest clarification, I'd wish there was honesty in the statement Akki sir ? pic.twitter.com/40g6GwcoWl
¡ª BRIJWA SRK FAN (@BrijwaSRKman) April 20, 2022
Kumar had said that he was "deeply affected" by the public reaction to his new ad in his apology.
He apologized to his fans and followers and pledged to donate the fee he earned from Vimal to ¡°a worthy cause.¡±
¡°The brand might continue airing the ads until the legal duration of the contract 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," he added.
We wonder what Akshay has to say now because the internet's research skills have bared it all.
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