The performer involved in the Goddess Chinnamasta portrayal controversy in Kolkata has apologised, saying he did not intend to hurt religious sentiments. The controversy began after his performance at a show organised by dance production group Nitya - Faculty of Sight. In a Facebook Live, he said he had portrayed goddess figures in the past and had never performed anything “obscene”. He said he would be more mindful in future and claimed he had received calls and death threats after the controversy. The organisers had earlier apologised, saying they were unaware of the final costume used during the performance. The performer denied this claim. The controversy has since raised questions around religious representation, performance and artistic freedom.