Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu has apologized to a video journalist he allegedly assaulted outside his Hyderabad home. The actor clarified that he was only trying to defend himself from “anti-social elements” when the media got unintentionally involved, leading to the altercation.

Mohan Babu took to his X handle on Friday, expressing regret over the incident, which he called “unfortunate.” He explained that the altercation escalated when 30-50 people, including “anti-social elements,” arrived at his home, causing him to lose his composure and injure the journalist “in the heat of the moment.” He apologized to the journalist, his family, and the media company and wished the journalist a speedy recovery.

On December 10, the journalist visited Mohan Babu’s residence to cover a family dispute with the actor’s son, Manoj Manchu. The journalist alleged that Mohan Babu confronted him aggressively, used foul language, and attacked him with a microphone, causing a head injury. Following the journalist’s complaint, an attempt to murder charge was added to the case, and the police are continuing their investigation.