I am a huge supporter of #MeToo movement: Preity Zinta

Actor Preity Zinta Tuesday said she is a "huge supporter" of India's #MeToo movement and would slap any person who tried to harass her, apologising for her remarks on the campaign that has led to the downfall of many in the Indian film industry and outside.

Zinta, who has been slammed on social media, said her recent comment to an entertainment website was taken out of context.

"I wish I had (faced sexual harassment) I would have an answer to tell you," she said controversially in the video interview.

Clarifying her remarks, which led to a backlash from people from all walks in life, Zinta said in a media statement that she did want the movement to be diluted with false accusations as her brother (a cousin) went through it and eventually shot himself.

"My reason for saying 'I wish something like this would have happened to me' in the film industry with a smile was because I would have reacted and slapped the person. So it never happened and much later when it happened I did react & the whole world saw it," she explained.

Zinta said she was a "huge supporter of the movement" and it was unfortunate that some of her comments were taken out of context.

The actor, who is currently promoting her film "Bhaiyaji Superhit", also put her comment -- "Aaj ki Sweetu, kal ki MeToo ho sakti hai" -- in context.

"The Sweetu & MeToo comment was not mine but I was quoting a man, which implied that men are now cautious in their approach to women at work. The reason I was smiling in the interview was because it's an interview and I was doing movie promotions."