Luke 23:34 – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Unfortunately, it appears, the Lord’s followers know no forgiveness. Last week we reported how multiple Christian groups had sent legal notices to Hrithik Roshan, asking for “an unconditional apology” over a tweet which apparently hurt the sentiments of Christians for taking a did at Pope Francis. The tweet in dispute was in fact a harmless tweet, which was aimed at the media, rather than the pope:
Last year a few Christian groups had protested and filed cases against the comedy group AIB, because they believed AIB’s show was “against Christ”. This complaint culminated in the infamous “Unconditional Apology” from AIB. The members of AIB met the Archdiocese of Mumbai and tendered an “Unconditional Apology” to the entire Christian community.
In October last year, a group called the Catholic Secular Forum forced a ban on a play called “Agnes of God” even before a single show could be performed.
More recently, an Indian Express group publication “Loksatta” apologized for its editorial on Roman Catholic missionary Mother Teresa.
The Pope too had made his stand clear last year when he declared that he would punch anyone who insults his mother, as he debated freedom of speech in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo teror attacks in Paris.
It was Hrithik’s turn now as he was arm-twisted into apologizing for “hurt caused to religious sentiments”:
Seems my tweet about His Holiness has led 2misunderstanding. My apologies 4 hurt caused 2religious or other sentiments. Was unintentional.
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) April 2, 2016
Twitterati were shocked by the response of Hrithik, capitulating to legal notices by “fringe” groups:
Ma’am @BDUTT, what are your views on Hrithik tendering apology to the Christian community?
Barkha: New phone who this— TheFrustratedIndian (@FrustIndian) April 2, 2016
Only person in India with any spine left is Kamlesh Tiwari.Refused to apologise for allegedly insulting Prophet Mo. In jail for months.
— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) April 2, 2016
Libtards sympathised with Kiku who mocked an MSG. Rightly so. No such sympathy for Kamlesh Tiwari & Hrithik who mocked another MSG. Why so?!
— गीतिका (@ggiittiikkaa) April 2, 2016
Hrithik you promised to learn from Aamir to respond and not react when attacked but alas you are too meek. Shame !!! pic.twitter.com/tpyfIs42j0
— Dhaval Patel (@dhaval241086) April 2, 2016
And here this tweet makes a comeback.. For the nth time https://t.co/NeVgqucl2K
— shilpi tewari (@shilpitewari) April 2, 2016
Well @iHrithik already apologized. He has weakened fight against intolerance. #shame https://t.co/lsO3f50suD
— ☼ B Raj ☼ (@betki) April 2, 2016
It remains to be seen if mainstream media picks this story up as a case of voices being silenced by the “intolerant”. For now, the joke is on us.
