Mumbai: Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Friday issued an apology over her participation in the competition series "The Activist" after widespread backlash and said the criticism against the show was "heard" and accepted by her.


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Produced by CBS and Global Citizen, the series pitted activists against each other before a panel of celebrity judges. Their success would have been judged on the basis of their social media campaigns.


After the show was unveiled, there was an instant backlash on social media with many people labelling the series as insensitive and tone-deaf. Some called the show's concept a "dystopian" celebration of "Insta-activism".



 


Priyanka along with American singer-songwriter Usher, and "Dancing with the Stars" star Julianne Hough were cast as judges on the reality show.



 


In a statement posted on Twitter, Priyanka said the show's aim was to bring spotlight on activists who tirelessly work for a cause they are passionate about but admitted that the format was "wrong".



 


"Their work is so important and they too deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you do," she added.


The series was earlier set to premiere on October 22, but with the competitive elements now removed, the makers will announce a new release date soon.