THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former MP Suresh Gopi has issued an apology in response to allegations of disrespecting a female journalist. In a Facebook post, he wrote that he was treating her with affection and apologized if there was any emotional distress.

The Kerala Journalists' Union had previously announced its intention to file a complaint with the Women's Commission and pursue legal action against Suresh Gopi. State President MV Vineetha and General Secretary R Kiran Babu called on Suresh Gopi to acknowledge his mistake and issue an apology.

The incident occurred during a media interaction in Tali, Kozhikode when Suresh Gopi put his hand on the shoulder of a woman journalist who had asked a question he did not like. It is clear in the footage that this is repeated even after she brushed his hands away. The journalist involved has also indicated that she is considering legal action.