The Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) is investigating the famous culinary icon Chef Wan, officially known as Datuk Redzuawan Ismail following a controversial post on social media. The post in question contained a comment about famous actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and had been widely perceived as racially insensitive.
In his comment, Chef Wan humorously compared Aishwarya Rai’s outfit on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet to a kavadi, a ceremonial offering carried during the Thaipusam festival at the Batu Caves. Intended as a joke, this analogy sparked significant backlash online.
Sensitive Issue Related To 3Rs
Speaking to Astro AWANI, Sentul District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari confirmed that a report had been filed in connection with the incident. Furthermore, he said that the matter was subsequently referred to the USJT because it touches on sensitive issues related to religion, race and royalty, commonly known in Malaysia as the 3Rs.
“The investigation was escalated to the USJT due to the serious nature of the 3R issues involved,” stated Ahmad Sukarno on Monday.
He highlighted the importance of avoiding discussions on these issues on public platforms as they have the potential to disrupt social harmony and public order in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Chef Wan Mocks Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes Outfit
Namaste Bollywood recently posted a video of the actress posing on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet on its Instagram page.
Commenting on the post, Chef Wan jokingly said that the actress was “carrying Kavadi on herself, heading to the Batu Cave Taipusam ceremony.”
In Hinduism, Kavadi is one of the offerings that his devotees present to Lord Muruga to show their gratitude to him after their prayers and wishes have been fulfilled. Kavadi means “carrying on the shoulder” in Tamil.
Aishwarya wore a dress by designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock for her second appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
The 50-year-old wore a shimmery blue and silver gown as she walked the red carpet for the screening of acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest feature, Kinds of Kindness, starring two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone.
The attire featured a long, weeping train and bold, dramatic shoulders decorated with metallic fringe.
Internet Slams Chef Wan For ‘Racist’ Comment
The comments from Chef Wan, 65, drew backlash from Internet users who accused him of being racist.
“You know what’s the funniest part of your comment? You’re commenting on one of the most beautiful women in the world. At your age, be modest instead of mocking others,” Instagram user @bavindhdhaivendiron said.
Another user, @brrianjohn, said: “Seriously, I did not expect this from you, Datuk. Batu Caves is in Malaysia. We are Malaysians, and you have put us down.”
“With all due respect, Datuk, I don’t think this is very nice to say. I understand you may not comprehend what she is wearing, sir, but please don’t relate it to a religious event and mock it. Did not expect this from you,” Sreeganeshnair said.
ALSO READ: Chef Wan Mocks Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes Outfit, Internet Slams Him For ‘Racist’ Comment
