Chef Wan on insensitive remark: I have learned my lesson
29 May - Chef Wan is expressing an apology for the joke he made regarding Aishwarya Rai's fashion at the Cannes, which many have accused of being insensitive.
The celebrity chef, who responded to an Instagram video that invited users to express "first thought that comes to mind" when they saw the Bollywood actress' elaborate peacock motifs dress that she wore at the film festival, stated that it reminded him of a Thaipusam kavadi because of the beautiful peacock design he often sees during the said festival.
He expressed, "I could not sleep well last night thinking of the Kavadi issue as my mind kept thinking, where did I go wrong by relating that colourful and beautiful festival to the material used which is colourful and shining. We also used them to celebrate birthday or for new year celebration as its beautiful and bring the mood of our celebration together".
"In these days of social media, I do realised the risk you take when you make any comments out there as easily it can be misunderstood for the wrong reasons even one does not always mean what one is saying. So from this, I have learned a fine lesson that next time anything that has to do with religion or culture, I better stay out commenting them! Better put my mouth in the right place!"
Chef Wan said that the police have contacted him after he was accused of being racist and mocking the Hindu religion, and that he will be meeting with them as soon as he comes back from his trip to Greece.
"Not to worry. It is just a formality for me to do so and explained myself at the [station]. A person like me always trying to promote racial harmony, peace, love, tolerance and respect for one another across all culture and religion. I asked myself again and again how am I labelled now as being racist and caused racial tension? Even my whole day to day life I have been surrounded by so many beautiful friends across all culture of the world. I earned that respect all the time for being just who I am. Ya Allah, how did this happened I asked myself. A joke that probably to make us all laugh and instead turn sour by some. My mind kept thinking all night. Am I that stupid to do that not realising it? Or am I that careless to cause all this mess to my nation?"
Many took to the comments to express support for the celebrity chef, with one writing, "Chef, you have always promoted racial unity among Malaysians. We who follow you on social media know your intentions very well and we love you for being you! Keep your head high up and pls do not let this incident in any ways affect you and your health."
(Photo Source: Chef Wan IG, Tupaki)
