The remark was met with immediate backlash online, with many netizens labeling it as “offensive,” “derogatory,” and “downright ugly.” The outrage quickly escalated, leading to formal complaints being filed against Allahbadia, Raina, and others involved in the show. A complaint was submitted to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the National Commission for Women, accusing the individuals of promoting obscenity and using abusive language, particularly towards women. The complaint demanded strict action against all parties involved.
In response to the growing controversy, Allahbadia took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to issue a public apology. In a video statement, he expressed deep remorse for his comment, stating, “My comment wasn’t funny, and I am just so sorry.”
He acknowledged the inappropriateness of his remark and emphasized that he holds family in high regard. Allahbadia also confirmed that he had requested the removal of the offensive content from the episode. He further stated, “I won’t provide context or explanations. It was wrong, and I shouldn’t have said it.”
He assured his audience of his commitment to being more mindful in the future, recognizing the diverse age groups that follow his content. He concluded by saying, “That’s been my learning from this whole experience. I promise to just get better.”
The controversy did not end with the apology. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Guwahati Police had registered an FIR against Allahbadia, Raina, Chanchlani, Singh, and Mukhija for promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussions on the show. The case was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. The police investigation into the matter is ongoing.
This incident is not the first time “India’s Got Latent” has faced criticism. The show has previously been embroiled in controversies over derogatory remarks about people with disabilities and offensive comments directed at guest judges. For instance, in a prior episode, a contestant made jokes about actress Deepika Padukone’s battle with depression, which led to widespread condemnation. Additionally, guest judge Uorfi Javed walked off the show after being compared to an adult film actress and being asked inappropriate questions about her personal life.
These incidents have sparked a broader debate about the boundaries of humor and the responsibility of content creators. While comedy often pushes societal norms, many argue that there is a fine line between edgy humor and offensive content. The repeated controversies surrounding “India’s Got Latent” have led to calls for greater accountability and sensitivity from those involved in the production and presentation of such content.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what legal repercussions, if any, will arise from this incident. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the impact words can have and the importance of exercising caution, especially in the realm of public entertainment.
