Priyanka Chopra apologizes for controversial 'Quantico' episode, says she's a 'proud Indian'
After ABC apologized over an episode of Priyanka Chopra-starrer Quantico that revolved around Indian terrorists plotting an attack in Manhattan with the goal of blaming Pakistan for it, the actress too has apologized for any hurt sentiments.
Taking to Twitter and calling herself a "proud Indian," Chopra said she was "extremely saddened" by any hurt caused by the show.
"I sincerely apologise. I'm a proud Indian and that will never change," she tweeted.
The last episode of the show, 'The blood of Romeo' outraged many Indians after Chopra's character Alex Parrish was shown thwarting a plot hatched by Hindus ahead of a summit on Kashmir in America.
The episode was aired on June 1. Many attacked the actress online, calling her a "traitor" and there were even protests on Indian streets where her posters were burnt.
Given that the issue was gathering steam, ABC issued an apology but defended Chopra saying that she was being unfairly targeted. In its statement, ABC said: “ABC Studios and the executive producers of Quantico would like to extend an apology to our audience who were offended by the most recent episode, The Blood of Romeo.” ABC added that “the episode has stirred a lot of emotion, much of which is unfairly aimed at Priyanka Chopra, who didn’t create the show, nor does she write or direct it. She has no involvement in the casting of the show or the storylines depicted in the series.”
ABC also explained that Quantico is a work of fiction. The show has earlier featured many antagonists of various ethnicities and backgrounds, but in this case they regrettably stepped into a complex political issue. It was never their intention to offend or hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Quantico is in its third and final season, after ABC reportedly canceled the show along with the Kiefer Sutherland drama Designated Survivor. Being aired after nearly a year, the third season of Quantico premiered to a lackluster 0.5 rating in the adults 18-49 demo and fewer than 3 million total viewers — tying its series low. The show has eight episodes remaining.
Still the ABC studios produced show had strong international sales, thanks to Chopra’s massive following and fandom worldwide. In India, the show airs on English entertainment channel Star World, which is part of Fox’s Star India unit.
