The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered a case against the online show India's Got Latent following controversy over remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that legal action has been initiated against 30 to 40 individuals associated with the programme from its inaugural episode onwards.
A Cyber Cell official stated, "A case has been filed against all individuals involved in the show from episode one to episode six. The process of issuing notices has commenced, and all concerned will be summoned for statement recordings."
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia, widely known for his YouTube channel BeerBiceps, made comments deemed offensive during a recent episode of the show, triggering a backlash across social media and the entertainment industry.
The controversy has escalated into a major issue, sparking police complaints, parliamentary discussions, and even involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemned Allahbadia's remarks, denouncing them as "abhorrent" and "disrespectful to societal and family values."
In a statement, AICWA asserted, "The All Indian Cine Workers Association vehemently condemns the reprehensible and offensive remarks made on the YouTube show India's Got Latent. Such disgraceful content is utterly unacceptable and poses a significant threat to the moral fabric of our society."
The association further called for stringent measures against those responsible, demanding both a complete ban on the show and legal action against its participants.
"We call upon all actors, filmmakers, directors, and technicians to immediately cease any collaboration with individuals involved in this show, including host Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia," AICWA added.
Also read: Ranveer Allahbadia row: Mumbai police visits YouTuber's home
Screenwriter Varun Grover also commented on the development via social media, remarking, "Every comedian who appeared as a judge on it has been named in the FIR. They should be asked to guess their sentence, and if it matches the sentence pronounced by the judge, they should be let go."
Following widespread criticism, Allahbadia issued a public apology via a video on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He admitted that his remarks were inappropriate and lacked comedic value.
"My comment wasn't just inappropriate, it wasn't even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry," he stated.
Allahbadia further acknowledged the concerns surrounding his influence on young audiences and vowed to exercise greater responsibility in his future content. "Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect," he said.
Additionally, he requested the show's producers to remove the controversial segments from the episode in question.
"I have asked the makers of the video to remove the insensitive sections from the video. All I can say in the end is sorry, I hope you can forgive me as a human being," he concluded.
As of now, 'India's Got Latent' founder Samay Raina has not issued a public statement regarding the matter. Reports indicate that he is currently in Seattle, USA, continuing his stand-up comedy engagements.
Also read: Ranveer Allahbadia apologises for crass jokes on roast show
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