NHRC takes cognisance of BeerBiceps' remark, writes letter to YouTube

The National Human Rights Commission has asked YouTube to take down videos featuring YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s obscene remarks on the India’s Got Latent show, amid growing controversy over the content.

In a letter to YouTube, the commission said it received a complaint from Yogendra Singh Thakur, who alleged that the show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, contained “highly objectionable, inappropriate, and obscene” comments about Indian society.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has written to Mira Chatt, head of public policy at YouTube, directing the platform to “take urgent action to remove the concerned episode/videos from YouTube.” The letter further instructs YouTube to submit details of the channel and the specific videos to the police authorities handling the FIR before removing the content.

“You are also required to submit details of the channel and the specific videos to the concerned police authorities where the FIR has been registered, for further necessary action. An Action Taken Report in this regard shall be furnished to the Commission within three (10) days from the date of issue of this letter,” the directive states.

YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, landed in controversy over his remarks on comedian Samay Raina's show 'India's Got Latent', sparking outrage and legal trouble. 

During a recent episode, which featured content creators Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija (known as The Rebel Kid), Allahbadia posed a highly controversial question to a contestant.

This remark, along with the general tone of the show, has triggered outrage, resulting in a formal complaint filed with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the National Commission for Women. The complainant has demanded strict action against all involved.

The YouTuber later apologised in a video posted on his social media handle saying, "I shouldn’t have said what I said on India’s Got Latent. I’m sorry."

His apology comes after Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare strongly condemned the comments, warning that such statements insult women and should not be tolerated. Waghmare asserted that if Allahbadia continues to make such remarks, legal action will be pursued, and efforts will be made to shut down his show.

Allahbadia, who has over 3 million followers on Instagram and boasts over one crore followers on YouTube, has hosted high-profile guests like actress Priyanka Chopra, singer Karan Aujla, and ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath, is now facing huge backlash for his comments made on Raina's show.

(With input from IANS)