Mumbai: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has stepped down as the tobacco ambassador after facing backlash over his appearance in a gutka ad.
Akshay took to social media and apologize with a lengthy post. He wrote: "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. 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," the actor added.
He was featured in the tobacco ad along with Ajay Devgn and Shahrukh Khan.
