In a significant development, YouTube has taken down the controversial episode of India’s Got Latent, featuring popular YouTubers Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and Ashish Chanchlani, among others. The episode, which was initially available exclusively to members on the video-sharing platform, has been removed from YouTube in India, following intervention by the government.
Video removed
The controversy surrounding the episode began when Ranveer Allahbadia made insensitive remarks about parents during his appearance on the show. The comments sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many labeling them as “vulgar” and “obscene.” The backlash led to several complaints being filed against Ranveer, Samay, and the show’s makers, including an FIR.
In response to the criticism, Ranveer shared a public apology on his social media, requesting the show’s makers to take down the episode. However, the apology did little to quell the outrage, with many calling for stricter action against the creators.
The government’s intervention in the matter came after Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that freedom of expression had its limits. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting subsequently issued a directive to YouTube, leading to the removal of the episode.
Kanchan Gupta, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, confirmed the removal on X, stating, “The ‘India Has Latent’ episode on @YouTube with obscene and perverse comments by Ranveer Allahbadia has been blocked following Government of India orders.”
About the row
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater regulation of online content in India. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has issued a press release calling for stricter action against the creators and demanding an “immediate ban” on the show. Ranveer on Monday issued an apology through a video, saying that he is sorry about his comments, admitting that they were not funny. However, it has not helped in calming down the stir.
