Gere Apologizes in Kissing Controversy

Hollywood actor Richard Gere, left, hugs and kisses Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty during and event for HIV-AIDS awareness in New Delhi, India, in this March 15, 2007, file photo.An Indian court on Thursday issued arrest warrants against the duo for their public kiss, which had evoked strong protests in several cities according to a news report. (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan, FILE) (Gurinder Osan - AP)

"The order is ridiculous. Even if this hugging and kissing was a bit vulgar, it does not amount to obscenity," India's former attorney general Soli Sorabjee told The Associated Press.

Sorabjee said the judge should not have issued an arrest warrant without hearing from Gere and Shetty.

"They are just seeking publicity," he said.

Another senior lawyer called the order "an act of judicial indecency."

"This is only for cheap publicity and the magistrate and lawyer should be restrained," Dushyant Dave told the Times of India newspaper.

The kiss had made headlines, and photographs were splashed across front pages in India, where public displays of affection are largely taboo.

In his statement, Gere appealed to the media to let the controversy die.

"I would hope that the media could now end the circus around this episode and dedicate its positive resources and expertise to the eradication of HIV/AIDS and other preventable diseases," Gere said. "That's what's really important here."

Gere said Shetty was not to blame for the incident.

"I've felt terrible that she should carry a burden that is no fault of hers," he said.

The judge ordered her to appear in his court May 5, saying she did nothing to resist the kiss, which he called "highly sexually erotic."

Shetty, already well known in India, became an international star after her appearance on the British reality show "Celebrity Big Brother."

A fellow contestant, Jade Goody, sparked international headlines by allegedly making racist comments to Shetty. Mobs took to the streets of India to denounce Goody, and Shetty went on to win the competition.