Taapsee Pannu’s recent show of support for her husband, Mathias Boe, has ignited a fierce debate online, as the actor faces backlash following the exit of Indian badminton stars Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy from the Paris Olympics.
Boe, who is the coach of the badminton duo, announced his retirement from coaching shortly after their exit from the tournament, leading to heightened scrutiny of Pannu’s actions during the matches.
In a video shared on Instagram, Pannu waved the Indian flag enthusiastically while cheering for Boe during the crucial match. However, her fervent display has attracted a mix of praise and criticism from viewers.
Many social media users accused her of “obstructing the view” as she jumped in excitement, prompting derogatory comments linking her actions to the players’ performance.
Critics wasted no time expressing their dissatisfaction, with one user remarking, “Now I know the reason for Satchi's (Satwiksairaj Rankireddy) loss.” Another comment read, “Panauti... Iske wajah se Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are out,” implying that her presence was a bad omen for the athletes.
Additional criticisms ranged from concerns about her obstructing the view of those seated behind her to accusations of attention-seeking behaviour.
One critical comment stated, “Hope she (Taapsee) realises that what she is doing is obstructing the view of (people) behind her!” Another user added, “Please sit, let the audience behind you watch.”
Comments accusing Pannu of lacking manners while abroad also surfaced, with one saying, “No manners or decency even after going out of India.”
Despite the negativity, numerous fans rallied to Pannu’s defence, emphasising the athletes' individual performances rather than attributing blame to her. One fan wrote, “Did you watch the match? Chirag made mistakes, and so they lost.”
Another supporter pointed out the double standards in society, saying, “I guess men now have a problem with a woman supporting their husband too. If she does not support, the same people will question her.”
Reflecting on the backlash, one user noted, “People are hating her for supporting our country and her husband in the Olympics. They can’t afford a ticket to Paris. Neither are they good players nor actors. They’re just hating her for having a different opinion in a democracy.”
This sentiment echoes previous incidents involving high-profile sports figures, including Anushka Sharma, who has faced similar scrutiny for her husband Virat Kohli’s performances on the cricket field.
As the online conversation escalated, users expressed frustration over the pervasive negativity, with one comment stating, “People in the comments have lost it.”
Another wrote, “What’s with the hate in the comment section? I swear, people are so pessimistic; it’s sad.”
A further comment labelled the naysayers as “shameless.”
Amid the controversy, Taapsee has continued to share glimpses of her experiences in Paris, showcasing her adventures at the Olympics and enjoying the local cuisine.
Her fashionable sarees have also drawn attention as she embraces the vibrant culture of the French capital.
Here is the video:
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