Never hid my Portuguese nationality, it is on my Facebook also: Remo Fernandes

Pop star Remo Fernandes, accused of verbally assaulting a 17-year-old girl allegedly hurt in a rash driving incident by his son Jonah, is denying all the charges levelled against him. According to news reports, Fernandes is believed to have insulted the girl while visiting her at Goa Medical College and Hospital last week and deliberately left the country to avoid legal summons in the case. On Wednesday, the Goa police issued a lookout notice against the singer after he failed to appear before them twice.

When ETPanache got in touch with Fernandes, he said that he is on a work trip, one which was planned in advance. "I left for Europe on December 7. This is a work trip which was planned in September 2015 and my ticket was purchased on August 17, 2015. This ticket exposes any claims that I allegedly 'slipped off' to Europe," he said in an email response, to which he attached a copy of his ticket. News reports also suggest that Fernandes's lawyer has informed the police that he will be available for questioning after January 8, 2016. About his son's involvement, Fernandes said that he would rather not comment as the matter was subjudice. "But the truth will be out soon," he said.

'Never hidden that I have Portuguese nationality'

The case against Fernandes has also resulted in some confusion over his citizenship as the police revealed that the singer held Portuguese citizenship. But Fernandes says, "This is not a controversy at all. I hold Portuguese nationality and I have never hidden it. In fact, I've written and posted it on FB on December 21. Opting for another nationality is neither a crime, a shame nor an embarrassment. It is a personal choice."

Also Read: Remo Fernandes taken Portuguese nationality, summons to be issued through the embassy: Police