Mumbai, February 15, 2025-This YouTuber and a podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as ‘BeerBiceps’, is now in big trouble following the airing of ‘India’s Got Latents’, a YouTube reality show. During a recent episode, Allahbadia asked a contestant a question that was inappropriate at best and nasty at worst, causing widespread public outcry, a number of legal heads in Allahbadia’s direction, and personal threats to his life.
The Incident
Allahbadia asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” The comments were highly offensive and vulgar as per Altnews, and were greeted with immense backlash from the viewers and netizens alike. This incident became huge, resulting in multiple legal complaints and condemnation from people.
Legal Repercussions
In response to the public outcry, multiple legal actions have indeed been filed against Allahbadia and other associates of the show:
Assam Police FIR: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Guwahati Police had filed an FIR against Allahbadia; four other social media influencers-inter alia, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, and Samay Raina-had been booked under charges of obscenity: “…for making vulgar and sexually explicit verbal exchanges on ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.”The case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
Maharashtra Cyber Department FIR: The Maharashtra Cyber Department has also filed an FIR against the show, invoking the relevant sections of the IT Act. They are demanding the scrapping of all 18 episodes of ‘India’s Got Latents’ from online platforms. The remaining guests, numbering about 30, summoned to have graced the show since its inception.
Mumbai Police Investigation: A team from the Mumbai Police went to Allahbadia’s house to begin the investigation into the scandal.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has been attacked from different quarters:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Addressing the media, CM Fadnavis stated, “Everyone has freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we infringe upon others’ freedom. If anybody goes beyond the limits of decency, suitable action shall follow.”
National Commission for Women (NCW): The Commission has summoned Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others associated with the show to explain the derogatory remarks made during the episode.
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA): The content of the show was condemned by the Association itself as being “deeply disrespectful to societal and family values” and could be called a “threat to the moral fabric of society.” They called for a total ban on the show and respective legal action against those behind it.
Response from Allahbadia
In the wake of the whole hullabaloo, Allahbadia gave a public apology via a video message on his social media platforms. He accepted that his comment was inappropriate and unfunny, going on to state, “Comedy isn’t my forte. I’m just here to say that I’m sorry.” He also accepted that he had faltered in his judgment and expressed his intention to use his platform responsibly from now on. However, the backlash has continued with many calling for the imposition of a stricter penalty.
“Crazy” Increase in Death Threats
Apart from the legal tussle, Allahbadia has spoken out against death threats &receptions for two days after the incident. In recent statements, he expressed concern for his safety while asserting that he will not run away, stating, “I won’t run away.” The content of such threats is not revealed in public, which adds some serious dynamics to the ongoing controversy.
As of now, investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies are underway. The future of ‘India’s Got Latent’ remains uncertain, with calls for its removal from various platforms gaining momentum. The incident has sparked a broader debate on content regulation and the responsibilities of digital influencers in maintaining societal norms and values.
