After NCW, Parliament panel may summon YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia over inappropriate comments on Samay Raina’s show

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, has faced significant backlash for making inappropriate remarks during a recent episode of “India's Got Latent.” He issued an apology in a video on Feb 10.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed serious concern over the vulgar and offensive remarks made by content creators Ranveer Allahabadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the show's producers, Tusha Poojari and Saurabh Bothra.

A hearing has been scheduled for Feb 17 at 12:00 noon at the NCW office in New Delhi to address the controversial comments made on “India's Got Latent.”

All concerned parties, including Allahabadia, Raina, Makhija, Singh, Chanchlani, Poojari, and Bothra, are required to appear in person.

Following complaints from Members of Parliament (MPs) and the filing of FIRs against Ranveer and comedian Samay Raina, the Parliamentary panel on Information Technology (IT) may call him to explain his actions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "The way he made the comment, the language that was used, it was pervasive and offensive; it is beyond the realms of the society. If these content creators don't self-regulate, they force the state to intervene. FIRs have been registered. It was done deliberately; it was to make the content viral and make money out of it.”

“They will have to pay for it because, in a civilized society, it would make these talks normal, speaking about parents normal, and talking about physical intimacy normal. I find it perverse. I will raise it in the standing committee since I am a member. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha has been kind enough to allow me to raise this in zero hour today. It is not only about this content; there are several content creators who have been thriving on these platforms and getting away with accountability,” Chaturvedi added.

In response to the controversy, Mumbai Police dispatched a team to Ranveer Allahbadia's residence.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrutinize the people he publicly endorses, referring to the controversy surrounding Allahbadia's remarks.

Gogoi posted on X, saying, "I hope PM Modi will look more closely at the people he has endorsed publicly and on social media. In his personal life, he is welcome to support whoever he likes, but the Prime Minister of India must be expected to be more responsible."

Gogoi’s comments came in reference to Ranveer receiving the ‘Disruptor of the Year’ award from Modi at the National Creators Award 2024. Ranveer has hosted several prominent figures, including Union ministers, on his podcast.

The incident sparked political debate, with both the BJP and opposition parties criticizing the remarks.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that while freedom of expression is important, it has its limits.

A viral clip from the show shows Allahbadia asking a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day or join them to finish it once and for all?”

His fellow judges, including Samay Raina, appeared shocked by his remark, with Raina responding, “What the f***?” and another judge asking, “Kya ho gaya hai Ranveer bhai ko?”

Following the backlash, an FIR was filed against Ranveer, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, and the “India's Got Latent” show organizers.

A complainant accused the show of using abusive language and demanded legal action against the accused.

All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) President Suresh Gupta called for strict measures against "self-proclaimed comedians and content creators" and demanded the removal of their YouTube channels and an end to their work in the industry.

YouTube has taken down the controversial episode following a notice from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), also urged for the video’s removal.

Singer B Praak criticized Allahbadia, calling his remarks "pathetic" and revealing that he had canceled his scheduled appearance on his podcast.

Praak posted a video message on Instagram, saying, “I was supposed to appear on a podcast, on Beer Biceps, and we canceled that. Why? Since we are all seeing how pathetic his thinking is. The choice of words that he has used on Samay Raina's show. This is not our Indian culture. What story are you telling about your parents? What are you even talking about with them? Is this comedy? You are abusing people, teaching them how to abuse. I fail to understand this generation.”

The singer further criticized Ranveer’s behavior, questioning how he could preach spirituality while making such comments, and urged comedians not to support this type of content.

Praak emphasized the need to promote Indian culture and values, especially given the influence of such content on younger generations.

The controversy has also raised concerns about the growing availability of mature content to all age groups, including children, and the potential social impact.

As of now, Allahbadia and others involved face police cases in Assam and multiple complaints in Mumbai. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that they have been charged under various sections, including obscenity.

Ranveer Allahbadia later apologized for his remark in a video message, acknowledging that his comment was inappropriate and not funny.

He said, "My comment wasn't just inappropriate; it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte; I am just here to say sorry."

He further explained that he regretted his lapse in judgment, emphasizing that he didn’t want to misuse his platform, especially as it is watched by people of all ages.

He also expressed deep respect for family and vowed to be more responsible in the future.

NHRC member Kanoongo mentioned that the panel had received a complaint regarding the incident.

He added that the content violated the modesty of women and involved racist comments, leading to a notice being issued to YouTube to remove the video and notify the police to take action.