Tamil actor 'Cool' Suresh has been facing a huge backlash after he forcefully garlanded popular anchor Aishwarya Raghupathi during the audio and trailer launch event of the upcoming film, Sarakku. The incident has caused a stir on social media, with many people calling out his actions. With the video of the incident going viral, 'Cool' Suresh on Wednesday, September 20, issued an apology to the anchor, while also informing that he garlanded her for comedy and was being playful as always. He said, "I attended the audio launch of Mansoor Ali Khan's upcoming film, Sarakku, and a few unexpected things happened. I garlanded the anchor at the event. Actually, I shouldn't have garlanded her, but realized it only later. Another thing I want to share is that the events I take part in, I want them to be lively. My intentions were playful yesterday too, but they ended up being hurtful. I have seen the reaction to the incident on social media. I too felt hurt because there's a belief that the events 'Cool' Suresh participates in are usually fun."
'Cool' Suresh added, "The fact that this has made many people upset has also left me sad. I wish to apologize to the girl for what had transpired. Likewise, my friends in the media and press, I'm nothing without you. I did something playfully and it ended up becoming an earthquake. I would also like to apologize to the press and the media. I also wish to inform you that Mansoor Ali Khan doesn't have anything to do with this incident. This is completely my own doing because I'm the one who made the mistake."
Explaining further about the incident, 'Cool' Suresh stated, "One more thing I want to share is that when the event started, I was dancing with the girl since there was music being played. I too am not familiar with her and had never spoken to her. Since she danced along, I thought she was a jovial person and one who got along very well with everyone. I garlanded her for comedy, but her sudden reaction left me sad. People know me for my silly antics and I was being playful yesterday too. My intention was not to create such pain for a woman." He continued, "I wasn't able to shine in acting but got popular by promoting Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, Maanaadu, and Pathu Thala, and thereby changed my route for my survival. I apologize for everything that happened from the bottom of my heart. Similarly, there's no relation to this incident with the Sarakku team, and this is completely my doing. I also want to apologize to my fans because some of you might be impressed with what I do. I want to be a good example for you all and not guide you into taking the wrong route. My friends too said that I did the wrong thing. My family also expressed the same. I was only being playful. I usually am a person who encourages everyone, but this incident has left me heartbroken. Kindly forgive me."