Priyanka Chopra apologises for Quantico episode

Priyanka Chopra has apologised for an episode in her American TV series Quantico, which portrayed Indian nationalists as terrorists who were trying to frame Pakistan in a terror plot.

In the episode, the actor, who plays Alex Parrish, is an anti-terrorist officer who busts a nuclear attack in Manhattan by Indian nationalists. The episode drew intense criticism from Indian fans.

"I'm extremely saddened and sorry that some sentiments have been hurt by a recent episode of Quantico. That was not and would never be my intention. I sincerely apologise. I'm a proud Indian and that will never change," Priyanka said in a statement.

The episode titled The Blood of Romeo aired on June 1. Priyanka's character, FBI agent Alex Parrish, thwarts a terror plot just days before a summit between India and Pakistan is to be held. During her investigations, she finds a religious Hindu symbol -- a Rudraksh chain -- on the neck of one of the suspects leading her to conclude that the plot was devised by Indian nationalists to frame Pakistan in a nuclear terror attack.

The producers at the US network that airs the show also extended an apology on Saturday. Their statement read: "ABC Studios and the executive producers of Quantico would like to extend an apology to our audience who were offended by the most recent episode, The Blood of Romeo. The episode has stirred a lot of emotion, much of which is unfairly aimed at Priyanka Chopra, who didn't create the show, nor does she write or direct it. She has no involvement in the casting of the show or the storylines depicted in the series."

They also stressed that Quantico is a work of fiction. "The show has featured antagonists of many different ethnicities and backgrounds but in this case, we inadvertently and regrettably stepped into a complex political issue. It was certainly not our intention to offend anyone."

Quantico will not be getting a fourth season. The cast also includes Jake McLaughlin, Johanna Braddy, Russell Tovey, Alan Powell, Marlee Matlin and Blair Underwood.