The controversy surrounding YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s comments on the show India’s Got Latent has escalated into a major issue, sparking police complaints, parliamentary discussions, and even involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Tuesday, Mumbai Police visited Allahbadia's residence after several complaints were filed in the city the day before.
The controversy began when Allahbadia, who appeared as a judge on India’s Got Latent alongside comedian Samay Raina, influencer Apoorva Makhija, and others, made an inappropriate comment about a contestant's parents. The remarks led to widespread backlash, and complaints were filed against Allahbadia in multiple states, including Mumbai and Assam.
Allahbadia, who has 4.5 million followers on Instagram and over 10 million subscribers on YouTube, is under investigation, along with Raina and Makhija. The authorities have asked the involved individuals to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Political Reactions:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have weighed in on the matter. Sarma announced that an FIR had been filed against Allahbadia, Raina, Makhija, and others involved in the controversial episode.
Fadnavis also emphasised that while everyone has the right to free speech, it is limited when it infringes upon others' freedoms, and action would be taken against those crossing these boundaries.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised Prime Minister Modi, referencing the Disruptor of the Year award given to Allahbadia at the previous Digital Creators Awards, urging the PM to be more cautious about whom he supports.
Allahbadia’s Apology:
In response to the backlash, Allahbadia issued an apology, admitting that his comment was inappropriate and that comedy was not his area of expertise. In a video message, he expressed regret, stating that he wasn’t offering any justification for his actions and that it was simply a lapse in judgment.
“I am just here to apologise. It wasn’t cool on my part,” Allahbadia said in the video, adding that this was not how he intended to use his platform.
Political and Public Backlash:
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi vowed to raise the issue in Parliament. She condemned the language used by Allahbadia and emphasised the need for content creators to regulate themselves, warning that failure to do so would force the state to intervene.
Chaturvedi also mentioned that the content was deliberately created for virality and commercial gain, and such remarks should not be normalised in society.
Singer B Praak, who was set to appear on Allahbadia’s show, canceled his appearance following the incident, urging other stand-up comedians to be more mindful of the content they produce.
Ongoing Developments:
The controversial video has since been taken down from YouTube, reportedly at the government's request. The Mumbai Police continue to investigate the matter, and the controversy has drawn condemnation from groups like Rajput Karni Sena, which criticized the comments for violating “Indian culture.”
As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the responsibility of content creators and the regulation of digital platforms, highlighting the tension between freedom of expression and respect for cultural sensitivities.
Also Read: Ranveer Allahbadia's video removed after Centre's YouTube notice
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