Vivek on Monday apologised for “hurting the sentiments of media persons” by making some “inflammatory remarks” at a meeting organised by the Nadigar Sangam in Chennai last year to protest a newspaper report.

Speaking to reporters, the actor said, “I owe my growth in the film industry to the media. I had no other support than the press when I stepped into acting in 1987. Since then, you (journalists) have been encouraging me.”

“I always have a huge respect for the press. But some remarks I made during the meeting had unfortunately hurt you all. Those words were out of frustration and they were later misquoted and misinterpreted. I never intended to insult the media, which is the reason behind my success,” he added.

Saying that he was asked in a recent television chat show as to who were the two persons he would like to thank and apologise, Vivek said, “My answer for both the questions was the press. I thank the media for its support and apologise for the comments I made.”