Chef Wan under fire for comment on Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes Film Festival dress

Earlier this week was the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, and many celebrities were dressed to the nines along with actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The former Miss World who has been a regular at the Cannes Film Festival for the past two decades debuted at the 2024 edition on Thursday with a gown by Falguni Shane Peacock.

An Instagram page, Namaste Bollywood posted a reel of the actress in her shimmery blue and silver gown with the caption, “First thought that comes to mind”.

The outfit garnered a lot of reactions in the comment section including the likes of celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan.

“She’s carrying Kavadi on herself heading to Batu Cave Thaipusam ceremony,” joked the celebrity chef in the comments.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of carrying a kavadi, the kavadi attam (dance) is the sacrificial offering performed by devotees during the auspicious festival day of Thaipusam.

However, this joke did not sit well with netizens who took notice of Chef Wan’s comment.

“With all due respect Datuk, I don’t think this is very nice to say. I understand you can’t comprehend what she is wearing, sir, but please don’t relate it to religious event and mock it. Did not expect this from you,” commented a disappointed-sounding netizen.

“Please do apologise for this comment and kindly remove it. I hope we all deserve to respect each other’s religion and religious matters. I believe Malaysia is a harmonious country where various races live. Thank you,” commented another.

Chef Wan apologises for his comments on Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes Film Festival dress

PETALING JAYA: Chef Wan has apologised for his comments made on the dress worn by the actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Cannes Film Festival.

The 66-year-old celebrity chef took to his Instagram to state that he had absolutely no intention of making fun of the Hindu religion and apologised for the comments he made under the Namaste Bollywood video of Aishwarya Rai.

“It was never my true intention to be racist or to disparage the Hindu religion. As a celebrity chef, I have always loved and have a high respect for all the cultures and religions around the world.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say my deep apologies to the people I had hurt with my remarks.”

He also added in a separate Instagram post that he loves Aishwarya Rai’s acting and finds her “absolutely gorgeous”.

Speaking to Astro AWANI, Sentul District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari stated that they have received a report regarding the case.

“However, this case has been referred to USJT (Unit Siasatan Jenayah Terhadap Masyarakat) as it involves the 3Rs, namely religion, race, and royalty,“ he was quoted as saying.

Sukarno also reminded the public not to touch on 3R issues on any platform as it could jeopardise the safety and public tranquility of various ethnic groups in Malaysia.