Actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained by the Los Angeles airport authorities for a short duration on Thursday night, local time, but was soon let go, with an apology from the United States State Department.
This is not the first time the Bollywood actor has been detained at an airport in the U.S., and each time, including this one, it seems his detention is the result of the presence of a man by the same name on the country's no-fly list.
Following the detention, the 50-year-old actor wrote on Facebook and Twitter: "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. [sic]"
However, he chose to make light of the situation by adding: "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. [sic]"
Read: Shah Rukh Khan has a history of run-ins with US airport authorities
Khan, whom Forbes describes as the most famous actor in the world, however, soon received an apology from the U.S. State Department.
"Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! [sic]," wrote Nisha Biswal, the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.
Susbequently, U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Varma also reached out to SRK. He wrote on Twitter: "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. [sic]"
SRK had had to face similar screening in 2009 and 2012 as well. Meanwhile, Twitter had a field day with Shah Rukh being detained, with fans and detractors alike letting their opinions fly thick and fast.
