New Delhi: Hollywood actor Richard Gere finally broke his silence over the Shilpa Shetty kissing episode and offered to apologise if he has ‘offended’ anyone.
“What is most important to me is that my intentions as an HIV/AIDS advocate be made clear and that my friends in India understand that it has never been nor could it ever be, my intention to offend you. If that had happened, of course it is easy for me to offer a sincere apology," Gere said in a statement.
Gere's statement comes a day after a Jaipur court issued an arrest warrant against him and Shilpa for kissing the actress in public during an AIDS awareness programme in Delhi a fortnight ago.
In a statement addressed to ‘My dear Indian friends’ and released to the press, Gere said, "to be honest, this recent media storm has taken me by surprise."
Gere also said he felt sorry that Shilpa had to carry the burden of the public ire despite she having no fault.
"What we thought was a very successful HIV/AIDS event has taken a sad turn. The evening and event in question was intended to celebrate courageous people and partnerships in the supremely important fight against HIV/AIDS, a worldwide pandemic which has afflicted over five million Indians and is still increasing," Gere said.
Lauding Shilpa, Gere said, “Shilpa Shetty is a courageous and wonderful woman who deserves high praise and support for her singular leadership against HIV/AIDS.”
"I assure you, I have utmost respect for her, and she knows this. Of course, I've felt terrible that she should carry a burden that is no fault of hers. The burden is mine and no one else's," Gere added.
(With PTI inputs)
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