The show, known for its quirky comedic takes, took an unexpected turn when Allahbadia made an inappropriate remark that quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism from both the public and political figures.

During the episode, Allahbadia, widely known as BeerBiceps, posed an unsettling question to a contestant:

“Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life, or join in once to make it stop forever?”

The remark, meant as a joke, was instantly met with backlash from viewers who found it deeply offensive. Many criticized the show’s creators for airing such content without any filters or disclaimers, arguing that public figures with massive followings should be more responsible. The video was uploaded as a Members Only post but quickly made its way across social media, fueling the outrage.

Legal Fallout and Public Reaction

The backlash prompted the Guwahati Police to register an FIR against all the judges and the host, accusing them of promoting obscenity and sexually explicit content. Legal experts suggest that while the case may not hold substantial legal ground under India’s obscenity laws, it highlights the increasing scrutiny on digital content and the growing expectations placed on influencers.

Following the controversy, Allahbadia took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public apology:

“I shouldn’t have said what I said on India’s Got Latent. I’m sorry... My comment wasn’t just inappropriate; it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte; I am just here to say sorry.”

Despite the apology, the fallout has been significant. According to influencer marketing platform Qoruz, Allahbadia has lost over 8,358 followers across his Instagram accounts.

Political Criticism and the Hypocrisy of Public Outrage?

The controversy has also sparked political reactions. A senior Congress leader criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for endorsing creators like BeerBiceps. Allahbadia had previously received the National Creator’s Award from PM Modi, and the leader argued that Modi’s association with such figures reflects poorly on his administration’s values and priorities.

While the incident has drawn widespread condemnation, it raises questions about selective outrage. Controversial statements from public figures aren’t new in India, yet reactions seem inconsistent. For instance, in December 2021, senior Karnataka Congress leader K.R. Ramesh Kumar made a shocking statement during a state assembly session:

“There is a saying that when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it.”

Though the remark was criticized, it did not lead to any legal action or significant political consequences. This selective accountability begs the question—why are influencers and comedians held to stricter standards than politicians who wield far more power and influence?

The India’s Got Latent controversy serves as a wake-up call for content creators navigating the blurring boundary between comedy and offensiveness. While maintaining decency in digital content is essential, the uneven nature of public outrage and legal consequences remains a crucial issue.

In a world where anything can go viral in an instant, public figures must tread carefully. But as conversations around accountability evolve, maybe it’s time we demand the same standards from everyone—whether they’re a comedian, an influencer, or a politician.