Yahoo News Indian governor apologises for touching journalist's cheek 'without her consent'
An Indian governor has apologised to a journalist for touching her cheek “without consent” after the move was met with backlash.
Lakshmi Subramanian, a journalist at The Week magazine, tweeted a photograph of the moment governor Banwarilal Purohit patted her cheek at a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Writing that he acted “patronisingly” and “without consent”, Ms Subramanian claimed the incident occurred moments after the governor “dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself”.
The tweet sparked nationwide outrage, gathering nearly 4,000 retweets and triggering calls for the governor to say sorry for his behaviour.
I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly – and without consent – pat me on the cheek as a reply. @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/i1jdd7jEU8
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
This, moments after he dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself. Unprofessional behaviour – and completely uncalled for to touch a stranger without her consent, especially a woman.
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
Mr Purohit has now formally apologised for his conduct. In a letter to Ms Subramanian, the governor of Tamil Nadu state wrote: “I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter.
“It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years.”
A total of 200 journalists from across India had signed a letter demanding Mr Purohit apologise, asking him to "assure all journalists of Tamil Nadu that you will not violate their rights in future."
Ms Subramanian said on Twitter that while she accepted the apology she was “not convinced” about its reasoning.
Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/JhjPOQy8UW
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 18, 2018
The incident has ignited debate around consent, with some claiming that the act was “innocent”.
Very very WRONG interpretation of a innocent act....
— Karthikeyan (@solicitorkarthi) April 18, 2018
I dont think you shd hv felt offended as his gesture seems more elderly than what you trying to potray. I know being a girl these gestures are disliked by us but shd also understand the diff btween bad and good touch.
— garima srivastav (@gsgarima36) April 17, 2018
Others criticised the physical contact, claiming that Mr Purohit had “violated” Ms Subramanian’s “personal space”.
So sorry to hear this Lakshmi. Unacceptable behaviour from a Governor.
— ranjona banerji (@ranjona) April 17, 2018
Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalist’s personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being.
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) April 17, 2018
There is no such thing as “like a father”. He is NOT her father. They are NOT family. You do NOT touch a woman’s face whom is not your family, or extremely close friend. Ever. Don’t under react and disrespect female professionals.
— Nicole Scott (@Nscottxo) April 18, 2018
In an article for The Week magazine on Wednesday, Ms Subramanian said the incident had left her "angered and agitated", adding that she rushed to the bathroom to wash her face after being touched.
