Akshay Kumar issues clarification amid outrage; says not 'returning' as Vimal brand ambassador

Hours after tobacco brand Vimal's new ad featuring Akshay Kumar with Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn sparked controversy, the 'Khiladi' actor took to X to issue a clarification.

He slammed a publication that wrote 'Akshay returns as the ambassador of Vimal Pan Masala' and explained that the ad was shot in October 2021 and the tobacco brand can legally run the already shot advertisements till the end of November 2023.

Akshay added that he has had nothing to do with the brand ever since he publicly announced the discontinuation of the endorsement.

‘Returns’ as ambassador? Here’s some fact check for you Bollywood Hungama, if by chance you are interested in things other than fake news. These ads were shot on 13th October, 2021. I have not had anything to do with the brand ever since I publicly announced the discontinuation of the endorsement. They can legally run the already shot ads till the end of next month. Chill and do some real news,’ Akshay Kumar tweeted.

After the recent ad, fans had accused Akshay Kumar of hypocrisy.

Last year, Akshay had announced the discontinuation of his endorsement by writing on X, ‘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.’

Akshay Kumar was last seen in ‘Mission Raniganj’ which was released in cinemas on October 6.

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