Payal Gaming Fans Defend Her As Viral Intimate Video Clip Sparks AI Deepfake Claims
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation, the rise of AI-generated deepfakes has presented a new challenge, and recently, Payal Gaming, a popular Indian gaming streamer and YouTuber, found herself at the center of such a controversy. An explicit video began circulating online, falsely claiming to depict her, triggering a wave of speculation and debate across social media platforms.
Payal Dhare, known online as Payal Gaming, is a prominent figure in the Indian gaming community. With over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and 4.2 million followers on Instagram, she has built a strong presence through her gaming videos and live streams. She streams games such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), PUBG, and GTA V. Her popularity has led to collaborations with various celebrities, and she was even among the top Indian gamers who met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future of the gaming industry in India.
On December 16, 2025, Payal Gaming began trending on X (formerly Twitter) after an intimate video was circulated online with claims that it featured her. Almost immediately, fans rallied to her defense, pointing out inconsistencies in the video, such as mismatched facial features and body type, suggesting it was not her. Many fans believe that the clip is an AI-generated deepfake intended to harm her reputation. One netizen tweeted, "That girl was not Payal Gaming, don't spread fake news," reflecting the general sentiment of support. Another user wrote, "Who are spreading deep fake AI generated mms clip's screenshots in the name of Payal Gaming".
The rapid spread of the video and the false claims highlight how quickly misinformation can proliferate online. Algorithms amplify engagement through shares, reactions, and comments, even when the claims are unverified. Hashtags and trending topics helped push the misinformation into wider public view within hours, making it difficult for creators to respond in real time.
For content creators, especially women, deepfake rumors can cause severe reputational damage. Beyond embarrassment, such incidents can lead to mental distress, anxiety, loss of brand partnerships, and long-term trust issues with audiences. Even when content is later proven fake, screenshots and clips often continue circulating, leaving a permanent digital footprint.
Sharing or forwarding explicit videos without consent is not only unethical but also illegal in India. Laws under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code can lead to criminal charges, hefty fines, and even jail time for offenders.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of digital responsibility. Experts and digital safety advocates emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing and respecting personal dignity online. Several users have pointed out visible inconsistencies such as differences in facial features, body type, nail paint, and other physical markers, suggesting that the clip involves someone else or could be a spoof or deepfake.
As of December 16, 2025, Payal Gaming had not yet released any statement about the video. However, judging by her Instagram stories, she seems to be in Dubai.
