Hardeep Singh Kohli: Comedian apologises after being accused of harassment and sexual misconduct
Former ‘Celebrity Masterchef’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ contestant was dropped by The One Show in 2009 after being accused of similar behaviour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Comedian and TV presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli has issued a public apology after he was accused of behaving inappropriately towards women.
A number of women came forward to accuse the former Celebrity Masterchef contestant of sexual misconduct, physical violence, harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
Comedian Lulu Popplewell, 29, alleged in a Twitter thread that the 51-year-old Glaswegian used his position to proposition her with sex at Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year.
Popplewell, who starred as Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman's daughter Daisy in the rom-com Love Actually, claimed on 23 June that Kohli “tried to manipulate her” and used “his status and power to get [her] to sleep with him".
In the thread, a number of other women replied to detail similar encounters with Kohli.
Following the accusations, BBC Scotland has said the corporation will no longer work with Kohli, who is based in London. He has also been given a “lifetime ban” by Edinburgh Fringe promoter Gilded Balloon.
Kohli has since addressed the accusations and offered an apology on his Twitter page.
“I have been reluctant to make a statement regarding the allegations against me,” he began.
“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 was removed as a roving reporter on The One Show in 2009 after a female researcher accused him of sexual misconduct.