In a shocking turn of events, Indian sports journalist Sushant Mehta has found himself at the centre of a massive controversy after making disparaging remarks about the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during a live show on “Sports Yaari.”
The journalist’s comments, deemed anti-Islamic, have ignited a firestorm of criticism and condemnation from viewers across Asian countries, with almost 100,000 tweets under the hashtag #boycottSushantMehta trending in nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even among Indian Muslims.
During the live show, Mehta allegedly mocked Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) marriage, and in a particularly disrespectful tone, invoked the phrase ‘men will be men’ in reference to the revered figure who is not only cherished in Islam but also holds respect in various other religions. The journalist’s comments drew swift and severe backlash, prompting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Under mounting pressure, Sushant Mehta released a video in response to the criticism, where he offered a seemingly non-apology. He stated, “Agar kisi ko bura laga to mai sorry bhi karta hun, mera agenda kisi ka dil dukhana nahi tha, aplog itne sensitive na hoon” (If anyone felt offended, I apologize. My intention was not to hurt anyone’s feelings; don’t be so sensitive). In an attempt to deflect the accusations, Mehta also pointed out that comments are often made about Hindu gods and goddesses.
Here is the video of Sushant Mehta’s fauxpology:
The journalist claimed that his controversial remarks were a reaction to an old video of comedian Munawar Faruqui. Notably, during the video in question, Mehta’s colleagues were seen laughing along with his statements, raising questions about their involvement in the alleged blasphemy.
Here is what Sushant Mehta had said:
As the controversy continues to escalate, Sushant Mehta’s comments have not only strained diplomatic ties between communities but have also underscored the need for sensitivity and responsible reporting in the media landscape. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power journalists wield and the potential impact their words can have on religious sentiments.
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