After a string of critical comments on social media over a leaked video, renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has claimed that it was old and being circulated to defame him.

“The video is actually nine months old and is being circulated to defame me,” he said while appearing on the Adeel Asif Podcast that was uploaded on YouTube on Wednesday.

Several social media users and music followers criticised Rahat after a video showing him beating his servant went viral on social media. But the Teri Ore singer clarified that the person he was beating in the video was his pupil. He beat him allegedly for missing his “bottle” containing “dam kia hua pani.”

On the podcast, he admitted his wrongdoing and apologised to his student. He was of the view that negative publicity often garners attention, leading to higher viewership ratings.

The singer described the video as a “tool” being used against him, adding that he knew “those behind its circulation.”

Rahat said that Naveed, a band member filmed in the video, was his closest student, with whom he has had a familial relationship for years. He mentioned that Naveed’s father was a student of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The Dil To Bachcha Hai crooner claimed that he has always supported Naveed morally and financially.

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In another video, he apologised for his manner. “I apologise to my family, friends, and fans. I will ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future.”

Meanwhile, Samaa TV has claimed that an old inquiry has been reopened against him. The Federal Investigation Agency initiated a money laundering and tax evasion inquiry against the singer after it was revealed that he earned nearly Rs8 billion in 12 years from local and international concerts.

Sources within the Federal Board of Revenue stated that the singer’s tax payment records do not match his reported income.