After facing all around backlash for his distasteful joke against Saina Nehwal, actor Siddharth has finally issued a public apology to the badminton star. He took to Twitter to share a apology letter in which he admitted his fault and also explained his real motives behind the remark.

The letter read, "Dear Saina, I want to apologise to you for my rude joke that I wrote as a response to a tweet of yours a few days ago. I may disagree with you on many things, but even my disappointment or anger when I read your tweet, cannot justify my tone and words. I know I have more grace in me than that. As for the jokeif a joke needs to be explained, then it wasn’t a very good joke to begin with. Sorry about a joke that didn’t land."

In an attempt to make intent of his "joke" clear, Siddharth wrote, "I, however, must insist my word play and humour had none of the malicious intent that so many people from all quarters have attributed to it. I am a staunch feminist ally and I assure there was no gender implied in my tweet and certainly no intent to attack you as a woman. I hope we can put this behind us and that you will accept my letter. You will always be my Champion. Honestly, Siddharth."

Apparently, Siddharth had responded to Saina's tweet condemning the security breach of PM's convoy by writing, "Subtle cock champion of the world... Thank God we have protectors of India. Shame on you #Rihanna." Since then he has faced a lot of flak from netizens as well as from Saina's family.

Dear @NSaina pic.twitter.com/plkqxVKVxY

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) January 11, 2022