Gere bemused by kiss controversy
Hollywood actor Richard Gere is bemused at the media storm surrounding his kiss with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
Ere and Shetty were speaking at an HIV/AIDS awareness event in New Delhi earlier this month, when the 'Pretty Woman' actor swept the beauty into his arms and kissed her several times.
Public displays of affection are taboo in India and Gere's actions resulted in crowds burning effigies of the 57-year-old actor in Mumbai, Varanasi and New Delhi.
Arrest warrants were issued for both Gere and Shetty early yesterday after a citizen filed a complaint, accusing the couple of committing an "obscene act".
However, Gere is stunned by the reaction.
In a statement, he said: "My clumsy attempt at a 'Shall We Dance' dance move was a naive misread of Indian customs. To be honest, this recent media storm has taken me by complete surprise."
