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On July 4, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were seen sharing a warm, celebratory moment under a vibrant fireworks display in Los Angeles. The brief kiss between the couple, captured in an Instagram Story, drew cheerful reactions from onlookers and fans who celebrated the American Independence Day with them. Chopra, dressed casually in a brown jacket, smiled as Jonas leaned in for a quick peck, and she captioned the moment, “Happy 4th of July to all celebrating.” However, the lighthearted post soon sparked a wave of criticism across social media, igniting an unexpected controversy.
The online backlash stemmed from Chopra’s earlier public appeals in India against the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. Many users recalled her 2018 video plea, in which she urged the public to avoid fireworks for the sake of air quality. The message—”Please meri saans ko berok rakhiye. Diwali pe patakho ko skip kijiye,” which translates to “Please let me breathe freely. Skip firecrackers this Diwali”—was widely circulated again in response to her recent July 4 celebrations. Critics pointed out what they viewed as a contradiction between her environmental activism in India and her apparent enjoyment of fireworks in the U.S.
Comments flooded social platforms, calling out the perceived double standard. Some asked whether her concerns about pollution only applied to Indian festivals, while others sarcastically questioned if air pollution doesn’t exist during Western celebrations. Users also brought up a 2019 tweet by Chopra about Delhi’s smog levels while filming The White Tiger, further intensifying the conversation about selective environmental advocacy.
While the actress has not responded to the criticism, the situation has reignited a broader debate about celebrity influence, public accountability, and cultural consistency. Supporters argue that cultural and regulatory differences between countries might account for varying stances on fireworks, while detractors maintain that environmental concerns should be universally applied—regardless of geography or occasion.
The episode highlights how public figures, especially those with global reach like Chopra, can quickly find themselves at the center of heated discussions when their personal actions appear to conflict with previously stated values. Whether Chopra chooses to address the backlash or not, the moment has sparked reflection on how celebrities navigate public advocacy while maintaining personal traditions and celebrations.