In the age of social media, our Indian screens are plastered with a new face almost every week, who is then dissected and debated on our digital platforms. The subsequent firestorm erupts just as a controversy is cooling down. Unless you've been living under a giant rock, you may be well aware of the latent row that brought Indians' (misplaced) outrage to the forefront.

If you ask Google the definition of 'latent', it spits out "existing, but not yet noticeable, active, or well-developed." That's the exact case of the show launched by comedian Samay Raina in June 2024.

India's digital landscape is a curious case of misplaced outrage where a vulgar joke is taken to Supreme Court and a well-known rapist is given bail every time there are elections in his state. The latent row is a mere storm in a teacup, but that wasn't the case when the show's judges were brutally trolled, their personal lives were questioned, and even the show's editor faced a media mob for editing videos of a comedy show.

Today, people's attention spans are shorter than a viral Instagram Reel. They can only like, share, and comment on posts or issues that are trending, which wouldn't even affect them personally, unlike a 17-year-old guy ramming his two crore Porsche into two unsuspecting individuals who were returning home on their bike.

Our social hatred is limited to being online mobs for cases that are akin to sending a student to the principal for going to the loo without the teacher's permission.

The recent drama involving Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), comedian Samay Raina, and influencer Apoorva Mukhija (also known as 'The Rebel Kid') took more twists and turns than an Abbas-Mastan (copied) thriller - we thought this might happen. Still, when it does, our minds are blown.

This row, which began as an indifferent conversation, spiralled into a cultural viewpoint which rightfully highlighted how fragile fame is and the volatility of Indian audiences. Moreover, it proved that behind screens, some of us are eager to hate and spew it without any moral compass.

This article highlights how and why the misplaced outrage occurred and what led to the aftermath.

As it happened

India's Got Latent is not new to controversy. Just two weeks before this row, a case was reportedly filed against a contestant, Jessy Nabam from Arunachal Pradesh, over her remark on dog meat. When host Samay Raina asked her if she had ever eaten dog meat, she responded that people from Arunachal Pradesh often consume dog meat, although she had not. She also added that she knew this because her friends do, and sometimes they even eat their pets.

Fortunately, that ended their but Samay Raina wasn't so lucky the next time. The controversy erupted when during a seemingly innocuous episode on the Latent show, Ranveer Allahbadia (an YouTuber by the name of BeerBiceps with eight million followers) asked a contestant the question: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?"

The clip went viral. Social media users sliced and diced the podcast into bite-sized snippets of outrage. Hashtags started trending. Accusations of misogyny, elitism, and mockery of women-led content spiralled out of control.

But this was not it. Trolls dragged Apoorva Mukhija (aka The Rebel Kid) for her comment on a contestant for merely defending her friend and herself. The contestant tried to make a joke at a girl sitting in the audience, but was stopped by Apoorv, who simply said, "Shut up, she's my friend!" The contestant tried to overpower his failure by asking Mukhija "is the sensation in your vagina over?" To which she responded, "Have you ever seen a vagina after coming out of your mom's?"

She defended herself from a vile man who brought a woman's private part on the stage, but the trolls focused on her so-called vulgar statement that specifically hurt men more.

Apoorva soon responded on her social handles, calling out the comments, which many interpreted as veiled jabs at her content and gender. What could have been a moment for constructive criticism turned into a digital witch hunt.
The Aftermath: Digital Mobs and the Online Hate that Followed

Ranveer Allahbadia: The Soft Target?

The Latent controversy around Ranveer Allahbadia, better known as BeerBiceps, spread rapidly across the Indian internet. In the process, it sparked discussions about whether a line exists between decency and licentiousness and whether the line between humour and vulgarity is even relevant. What started it all? A shockingly inappropriate question given during a little rapid fire round as questioning period: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life, or, join in and stop it forever?" - it still seem like a question of internet shock humor, instead of a question posed to someone that millions of people follow. Also, it was already a question that was on the internet.

While the frame of the question was comedic and came from a genre of ridiculous "would you rather" games that are mainstream in Western podcasts, the Indian context was different, and it didn't seem like a big deal. As a result, social media exploded with comments criticising Ranveer for proffering "vile" content and "cheap tactics" to get engagement.

The critics say that, as a role model and figure for self-development, you must maintain specific standards, particularly in a country with cultural sensitivities and a history of debate, where moral gatekeepers in social and digital spaces publicly test people's sensibilities.

What was intended to be an edgy, jokey moment turned into a lesson about India's tolerance for Western-style disrespect. Supporters amended it as a mistake or a joke; detractors assumed it was another instance of a content creator misreading the room. The incident became a representation of a broader issue: the tension between modern digital practices and traditional Indian values, and a sign of how quickly public opinion can change if the wrong button is pressed.

Even the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that while he had not viewed the clip, he had learned it was "very vulgar" Soon, two Mumbai-based lawyers lodged a police complaint against Ranveer Allahbadia and other comics, and they wrote to

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phalsankar and the Maharashtra Women's Commission highlighted how comments made on the 'India's Got Latent' show amounted to disrespecting women and should be subject to action.

Earlier this week, the case found its way to India's Apex Court. "Dirty, perverted mind, disgusting." This is what India's Supreme Court said on Tuesday when it granted interim protection from arrest to a popular YouTuber who has been in the news for the last week.

This was not surprising given the celebrity status of Allahbadia, who has interviewed federal ministers, Bollywood stars, cricketers, and Hollywood stars. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed him a "National Creators Awards" trophy. Since the controversy, both Allahbadia and the show's host, Samay Raina, have apologised for the comments, and Raina has deleted all past episodes of the show. In its recent order, the Supreme Court even prohibited Allahbadia from putting content on social media before allowing him to return to work. His comeback podcast features Buddhist monk Palga Rinpoche.

Ultimately, this incident served as a warning and a case study on the fickleness of online fame, the performative morality of the internet, and the very real effects of pushing boundaries in the Indian digital space.

Death, Rape & Acid Attack Threats to Apoorva: How People Have Become Immune to Targeting Women on Social Media

The one to receive too much online hate was Apoorva Mukhia, aka the Rebel Kid. Apoorva, in her latest video titled 'Till I say it is', revealed that she received hate and criticism from people after the show. In her video, she also mentioned receiving acid attack, rape and death threats through DMs.

She provided a screenshot of one of the DMs and claimed that it was extremely graphic. She also posted multiple screenshots on Instagram of the DMs she had received and said, “and that’s not even 1%” in the caption.

Mukhija even mentioned that some people found her mother's account through her account and posted inappropriate comments under her posts, which became stressful for them. This affected her mother's health, too, she added.

She lost her house, many brand deals, and her self-respect. Apoorva also talked about her past problems and mentioned "self-harm" and comments from relatives that affected her.

While concluding the video she said that whatever earnings she made through this video will be donated to an NGO that helps acid attack victims, rape victims and victims of domestic violence. Apoorva's video comes days after she deleted all her posts from Instagram. She had also stopped following anyone on Instagram, but still has over three million followers.

On Thursday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) asked police to identify and take action against the people responsible for the rape and death threats made against social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija after she appeared on comedian Samay Raina's controversial web show, 'India's Got Latent.'

The Commission also ordered that Mukhija be provided with the necessary assistance and protection. While the NCW made it clear that it takes a strong position against vulgar and offensive material, it indicated that, in no circumstances, can such forms of abuse be tolerated - that is, not snide remarks, nor particularly rapes threats.

Samay - The One to Suffer?

India's Got Latent's host, Samay Raina, is slowly emerging out of the chaos that feels misdirected. The show, inspired by the international Got Talent franchise and Kill Tony, featured a wide range of acts, including singing, dancing, magic, and comedy. India’s Got Latent, which started in June 2024, has aired 18 episodes till now.

YouTube removed the controversial episode of the show at the request of the central government. Owing to the backlash and controversy, Samay also made all the videos private on 12th February. He also said that he will cooperate with the authorities.

The comedian soon broke his silence with a message shared in a “Members Only” post on YouTube wherein he expressed affection for his fans by sharing a red heart emoji along with a virtual hug, without attaching any video or photo. The post reportedly amassed 7,000 likes and over 2,400 comments within just a minute.

In the latest update in the case, the Supreme Court has ordered that Samay Raina's name be added to the case. Hearing the matter, Justice Surya Kant said, "We are really disturbed by the allegations. We document such instances, hold the concerned persons accountable, and suggest measures. Then we will see."

In the third week of April, the Supreme Court took a serious view of allegations levelled against Raina, stating it would examine a plea accusing him of ridiculing individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and rare conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Recently, Raina posted about not being able to sleep after the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attacks, in which some 3-4 terrorists from the Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, shot and killed over 25 tourists in Kashmir's tour-rich area.

When Raina performed in Canada, he jokingly referenced India’s Got Latent controversy during his show. A fan, Shubham Dutt, who attended the performance, shared his experience on Facebook. He said that he saw a 25-year-old guy, weighed down by immense mental pressure, with dark circles under his eyes, a sunken face, and unkempt hair, walk onto the stage in a dust-covered black hoodie. His first words into the mic were: "Thanks for paying my lawyer’s fees."

He's a comedian at heart, but will this controversy change the tone of his dark humour, or will he keep going on, as if nothing has happened? Only time will tell.

Ashish Chanchlani - The Silent Victim?

On February 10, the Guwahati Police registered a case under sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, the IT Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act against the judges of the last episode, which also included Ashish Chanchlani.

The YouTuber and social media influencer shared a picture of himself at the gym on March 21, revealing that he had been indulging in 'stress eating' for a while, probably referring to the India's Got Latent controversy. Still, many believe he was not affected much.

Chanchlani even uploaded a video on Instagram, in which he addressed his fans, asking for their support as he navigates through the controversy. In the video, he expressed his determination to learn from the situation and assured fans of his resilience.

Chanchlani made a rare public appearance in the second week of March amid the ongoing controversy. The paparazzi captured him as he exited a building on his way to a gym session.

Where Are The Latent Judges Now?

In the wake of the fallout, Ranveer put out a statement and paused uploads, Apoorva released a few videos based around toxic masculinity and the mental impact of streaming, and Samay went dark by deactivating or privating multiple accounts and cancelling or postponing his touring. He even deleted all of the Latent episodes.

Now Ranveer Allahbadia is back on the road! He has resumed The Ranveer Show and already has some guests lined up with seemingly little to no long-term damage done to his brand. This is clear evidence that, although cancel culture can have a loud voice, it often holds little weight.

Apoorva Mukhija has moved on herself, even posting a couple of videos that were on the edge of talking about professionalism. She is still very much in a corporate content area, and the controversy in her timeline does not define the work she is navigating now.

On the other hand, Samay Raina has returned incognito. After months of silence on the digital circuit, he has returned to posting and will not take the bait to comment on the situation. His followers just show how temporary online outrage can be.

Why Do We Indians Love Fake Outrages?

Online outrage in India is a mix of psychological triggers that can be both pleasurable and ultimately empty. First, there is the dopamine of moral superiority; calling someone out is a low-cost, high-reward, brief feeling that you are "on the right side" when you're not creating any change. Then, there is the façade of effectiveness; resharing a hashtag and posting a funny comment can make you feel like you're "moving a movement," but for the most part, it's mostly signalling.

If you look at this incident from a bird's-eye view, it's just another video by comedians trying to be funny, or at least trying. Reddit users were quick to find a video from which the question was copied. In the video, titled "TRUTH OR DRINK | Alan vs Sam" on the YouTube channel 'OG Crew', a lady asked the same question that Allahbadia asked.

Some also mentioned that comedian and actor Kanan Gill posed the same question to someone on his phone in 2015. Kanan asked the question to Bollywood actor-turned-filmmaker Jackky Bhagnani and Lauren Gottlieb when he interviewed them on a promotional tour for their 2015 black comedy film, ‘Welcome to Karachi.’ After noting that “This is fu***d up”, Kanan asked them the controversial question. Lauren's reaction to the first part of the question was, "Sounds horrible."

Kids are flauting their plush cars by ramming them into bikers, peeing on the roads, or rapists who are getting bail during elections in their state. Aren't these issues rage-worthy? Yes, we did see the rage during the Kolkata R.G. Kar case, but candle marches or outrage on social media won't fix the problem. But people are not driven to solve an issue, but to be seen as having solved an issue.

Add this to the bandwagon effect - humans are tribal, and once a narrative gains momentum, it's safer to be part of the group than not to go along. This silence on dissent often means that nuance is left behind.

Finally, the small attention span of digital lynch mobs. The internet, like a goldfish, can no longer remember yesterday's outrage, the moment new anger arises. These cycles are not justice cycles, but drama and theatre cycles. The worst manifestation of this outrage culture is that it distracts from real issues in India, such as unemployment, farmer suicides, inflation, horrendous roads and transport, and systemic corruption. Solving these issues requires deep, sustained energy and commitment, and is a lot more work than dismantling a celebrity for a video. Outrage becomes not a catalyst for change, but a cover for inaction.

The Psychology of Online Hate

The issue of online hate and the desensitisation or normalisation some individuals seem to show to it is complex. In literature on online behaviour, data suggests that factors like anonymity, the phenomenon of group polarisation, and a lack of nonverbal cues play a role. Some studies on this topic have measured the impact that online can have on increasing aggression, the potential to dehumanise others, and a reduced capacity to empathise with others.

It may seem that individuals in online echo chambers support each other's existing negative biases, hold a sense of moral righteousness, and fail to think of the other as a unique human being with special characteristics.

As if the daily barrage of exposure to online hate and negativity wasn't enough, there is also an element of "desensitisation," or "hate fatigue," - possibly someone even becoming jaded or apathetic to the cycle of outrage that is never ending, and therefor disengaging altogether - or simply filtering out the noise relentlessly as a conscious and unconscious response to protect their mental health.

This does not mean apologising for or condoning the offensive behaviour, but rather, a reduction in emotional energy or belief that you can be engaged in every online outrage machine.

The Takeaway

The Ranveer, Samay, and Apoorva episode was not just about three individuals. It was a mirror. A reflection of who we’ve become as a digital society — reactive, polarised, hungry for drama, and often immune to nuance. This entire episode was a classic case of manufactured outrage. No laws were broken, no systemic issues were solved—just a lot of noise over nothing.

While their remarks undoubtedly offended many, the ensuing storm highlights a broader tendency to fixate on relatively minor issues. At the same time, larger societal challenges often remain unaddressed or receive insufficient attention.

The return of these individuals to their online platforms, albeit with a degree of caution, suggests that the digital world, while quick to judge, also offers avenues for eventual rehabilitation and the cyclical nature of online attention. The real challenge lies in learning from these episodes and fostering a more mature and focused digital public sphere.

But the bigger question remains: why does India keep falling for these distractions? Is it because real change is hard, while online outrage is easy? Is it because we’d rather attack individuals than dismantle oppressive systems?

The next time a "controversy" trends, ask yourself: Is this worth my energy, or am I just being played? Because in the end, the mob moves on, leaving only broken reputations and wasted time in its wake.

Until we shift our focus from meaningless scandals to meaningful discourse, we’ll keep getting the circus, not the reform we desperately need.

So, ask yourself, is it challenging to build a culture where disagreement doesn't mean destruction, where criticism doesn't mean cancellation, and where we save our outrage for the things that truly matter?

Till you think about this, the next storm in a teacup was to come from another comedian. Kunal Kamra was the face of "injustice" for a few weeks.