YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, has responded to claims made by some Bollywood celebrities that they boycotted his show following the "India's Got Latent" controversy. Allahbadia asserted that these celebrities were never even invited onto his podcast in the first place.
The controversy stems from Allahbadia's appearance on comedian Samay Raina's show, "India's Got Latent," where he made a comment that sparked widespread outrage. The comment, which involved a hypothetical scenario about parents and sex, led to legal trouble and a barrage of online criticism.
Following the backlash, some celebrities publicly distanced themselves from Allahbadia and his podcast, implying they had rejected invitations to appear on his show. However, Allahbadia clarified that these claims were false. In a recent interview with creator Prafful Garg, Allahbadia addressed the situation, stating, "It became a feeding frenzy. Some celebrities claimed that they'd even rejected an invite to the show. The truth is that we never invited them in the first place". He admitted feeling frustrated by the way the situation unfolded online.
The controversy also led to singer B Praak publicly stating that he had canceled his appearance on Allahbadia's podcast. B Praak criticized Allahbadia's values, questioning the contradiction between his promotion of Sanatan Dharma and his controversial remarks. However, B Praak later softened his stance, explaining that scheduling conflicts were the reason for postponing his podcast appearance. He stated that his teams had been discussing dates for several months, but they were unable to find a mutually convenient time.
Allahbadia reflected on the controversy, acknowledging that it gave him a much-needed break after six years of intense podcasting. He admitted that the situation stemmed from his own actions and that he is now focused on moving forward and forgiving others, as well as himself.
The "India's Got Latent" controversy had significant repercussions for Allahbadia. He faced a two-month income drought but ensured his team continued to receive their salaries. He also revealed that his family, particularly his mother, was targeted by negative attention. Despite the challenges, Allahbadia expressed gratitude to those who supported him during this difficult time.
Following the controversy, Allahbadia has hosted several prominent figures on his podcast, including Emraan Hashmi, Boman Irani, Shruti Haasan, and Tara Sutaria. During his conversation with Hashmi, he alluded to the ordeal, with Hashmi responding that everyone was aware of what had happened.
The incident involving Ranveer Allahbadia sparked a broader debate about the responsibilities of social media influencers and the boundaries of acceptable content. Some public figures and celebrities condemned Allahbadia's remarks, while others called for forgiveness. The controversy also raised questions about freedom of speech and the need for responsible content creation.