"the most embarrassing thing on the internet"
Varun Dhawan has broken his silence on the backlash he received for his behaviour towards Gigi Hadid at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) event.
The supermodel dazzled at the event in a gold Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla saree.
Meanwhile, Varun attended the gala with his wife Natasha Dalal and his mother. He even performed on stage with Ranveer Singh and Shah Rukh Khan.
However, a video of the actor with Gigi has led to criticism.
During his performance, Varun was seen inviting the model onto the stage.
He then lifts her up and begins spinning her around before planting a kiss on her cheek and putting her down.
Varun Dhawan and Gigi Hadid ?????? and the final kiss ?? pic.twitter.com/k1FdgcxooO
— Diana? (@mugglenemy) April 2, 2023
While Gigi smiled throughout, many social media users believed she appeared uncomfortable by the incident.
Varun was subsequently criticised by netizens, who claimed he kissed her without consent.
One user wrote: “Varun Dhawan lifting Gigi on stage, kissing her without consent without thinking of her personal boundaries, being a married man and most important when she looked hella uncomfortable there.
“These stars should think twice before embarrassing anyone or doing clownery anywhere.”
Another said: “Varun Dhawan giving a global display of how creepy Indian men are. I am so sorry Gigi you had to go through it.”
A third wrote: “Varun Dhawan lifting Gigi Hadid is the most embarrassing thing on the internet today.”
One comment read:
“I would not have blamed Gigi if she had slapped Varun Dhawan right then and there on the stage.”
The backlash prompted an angry response from Varun, who stated it was pre-planned.
He said: “I guess today you woke up and decided to be woke.
“So lemme burst your bubble and tell you it was planned for her to be on stage so find a new Twitter cause to vent about rather than going out and doing something about things. Good morning.”
I guess today you woke up and decided to be woke. So lemme burst ur bubble and tell u it was planned for her to be on stage so find a new Twitter cause to vent about rather then going out and doing something about things . Good morning ? https://t.co/9O7Hg43y0S
— VarunDhawan (@Varun_dvn) April 2, 2023
Some came to his defence, slamming the trolls for trying to create controversy out of nothing while others thanked the actor for the clarification.
One said: “VD, we fans have known you since years we know it was all planned and scripted.
“Haters just wanna get clout using your name. Stay the same we’re there for you always.”
Another tweeted: “Thank you for clarifying, was waiting for you to do this.”
Despite Varun’s response, some were not convinced.
One said: “But believe me it’s too cheap.”
Another wrote: “Thinking of something like that in the first place is still cringe like lifting and swirling her was okay but.”
A third asked: “Was the kiss planned too though?”
Meanwhile, Gigi confirmed that she enjoyed the moment. In an Instagram Story, she wrote:
“Varun Dhawan making my Bollywood dreams come true.”
The model has also followed the Bollywood star on the platform.
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