After backlash, Mani says post mocking #MeToo movement not shared by him

After receiving severe backlash on a controversial Instagram post mocking the #MeToo movement, television host and actor Mani on Wednesday said it was "posted by mistake by his PR" person.

"I would like to inform all my followers that I am not very much active on social media and was not aware that any such picture is posted on my Instagram. Would like to apologise on behalf of my PR guy who posted it by mistake. Please do help us improve in all aspects of life," he tweeted.

Earlier today, Mani was slammed as he mocked the founder of the #MeToo movement in a controversial social media post. 

The actor posted a picture on Instagram of #MeToo founder Tarana Burke with the words, “This is Tarana Burke, the founder of Me Too movement. Don’t know who touched her and why?” written next to it.

The post did not go down well with followers, who were quick to slam Mani for making light of the movement and disrespecting women.

Several commented on Mani's post schooling him what the #MeToo movement is about. Many others commented against Mani's "disgusting viewpoint" while others asked him to be "ashamed of himself".

Following the backlash, the TV host deleted the post from his Instagram page.

In recent weeks the #MeToo movement in neighbouring India has gathered pace, a year after the hashtag first went viral. The public allegations by Bollywood star Tanushree Dutta against a fellow actor emboldened a wave of women in India to tell their own stories. A government minister, MJ Akbar, resigned this month after at least 20 women accused him of sexual harassment. A prominent Bollywood director was also sacked over similar allegations.