Shameless star reveals religious abuse

Shameless actor Qasim Akhtar has revealed today that he has suffered verbal abuse from muslims.

Speaking in The Sun, Akhtar has revealed that people have criticised him for the type of character he plays in the show. In Shameless, he plays Chesney Karib who is regularly seen drinking, swearing and having sex. “They believe it is making a mockery by showing Muslims doing certain things on Shameless. It could be taken like that, but most people see it in a different way. Chesney doesn’t give a shit about religion as he drinks, smokes weed and parties with birds.”

He went on to admit that he does drink in real life, but responsibly. “I do drink, but I don’t abuse it. Fair enough, it is against Islam, but it is the way I have been brought up. It is about will power. I don’t discuss drinking with my parents. I have got a girlfriend and there is nothing wrong with that – it is not against the religion.”

Shameless returns to Channel 4 next week.