I am the victim here, says Chef Wan

Celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan decried that he is the victim as he is being investigated by the police for online remarks that linked Indian actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s fashion to kavadi that is carried by Hindus on Thaipusam.

“My good intentions were suddenly misinterpreted. If I have a history of instigating racism on my social media, that’s different. (But in this case) I have never,” he said in an Instagram post yesterday.

“As usual, those who are racist have their attitudes and what they have instigated in the past.

“The investigation will look into all that! I’m brave because I speak the truth. I will definitely stand on truth and justice,” he said, adding that he will leave the probe to the police.

The chef is being investigated under section 298 of the Penal Code for deliberately hurting religious sentiments and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He also has issued a public apology over this matter.

He added that Rai’s gown reminded him of kavadis.

Too often we see worshippers carrying kavadi in so many sizes, some in huge sizes. Often the most beautifully decorated ones win the hearts of so many people.

“When I went to the festivals before this to film my television travel show, I looked for the most beautiful and heavy ones (kavadi) as the burden is not easy to lift too.

“Their sacrifices really amaze and inspire me.”