Singh Kohli apologises to women over harassment
● Apology comes ten years after he was suspended over his behaviour
Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli has apologised “unresevedly” to a number of women over accusations of sexual harassment.
The Glaswegian celebrity was dropped by BBC bosses after 16 women came forward alleging incidents of sexual harassment and inappropriate acts.
Kohli, 51, said in a series of posts on social media that he “apologises unreservedly” and hopes to live a life of “greater understanding”.
His apology comes ten years after he was suspended over inappropriate behaviour towards a researcher.
The Celebrity Big Brother star and TV chef took to Twitter to address the allegations and said: “I have been reluctant to make a statement regarding the allegations against me. This is primarily because I fundamentally believe every person should have the platform and space to say what they feel needs to be said.
“Any offer of context, explanation or alternative narrative would diminish their words and that is something I did not want to do.
“It is now clear to me that my actions and words made women feel intimidated, undermined and undervalued.
“For this, I apologise unreservedly and can only hope to live a life of greater understanding.”
Kohli had been a regular on Question Time, Celebrity Masterchef and Newsnight. He was removed from being a reporter on The One Show in 2009 after complaints about conduct but stayed as a regular on Radio 4.
He was accused by Lulu Popplewell, 29, of unacceptable behaviour at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Lulu - who appeared in Love Actually accused him of abusing his power and propositioning her for sex.
She alleged that he offered to produce and direct her and could make her a success using his star power, before saying it would be best if she visited him, staying in his bed in Glasgow and “having a little spoon together”.
Healsoallegedlyleftunwanted sexual comments in private messages to a primary school teacher.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “Hardeep Singh Kohli is not a BBC employee. There are no plans to use him.”