Actor Priyanka Chopra has become the centre of an online debate after a resurfaced throwback clip triggered allegations that she hired fans to pose for autographs during an airport appearance. The social media storm quickly escalated – until Hollywood actor Bella Thorne stepped in to defend her.

The controversy began when an old video of Priyanka exiting an airport started circulating widely. In the footage, two individuals are seen approaching her for autographs at two different spots within minutes – once near the entrance and again later in front of waiting photographers. Priyanka, unaware of the brewing narrative, is seen signing both times. The repeated sighting of the same fans fuelled accusations that the moment had been engineered, with many online users speculating that her PR team orchestrated the interaction to generate attention around the appearance.

As discussions intensified, one post summarising the allegations gained significant traction. Its caption claimed: “The stunt looked highly staged, raising questions about authenticity and drawing criticism online. Fans and observers called it a ‘fake PR move,’ criticising the unnecessary media drama and giving Priyanka a big thumbs down. The incident has sparked debates about manufactured fan moments and celebrity publicity tactics.” 

Bella Thorne, who came across the conversation, pushed back against the speculation. Weighing in through a comment, she wrote, “No, I don’t think this is a PR stun. They just follow you everywhere when you’re in the terminal they also sell those pages online.”

Explaining why she didn’t believe Priyanka staged the act, Bella added, “That’s why it’s on a blank piece of paper. They can actually take your signature and Photoshop over whatever they want and it would look like you have signed it. Either way I highly doubt she staged it. She’s just being nice and signing it again cuz they won’t leave her alone and are continuing to follow her through the terminal.”

Priyanka Chopra’s upcoming works

Away from the controversy, Priyanka is preparing for a major return to Indian cinema. After titles including ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Jai Gangaajal’, she is set to star in SS Rajamouli’s Telugu film ‘Varanasi’, slated for a Sankranthi 2027 release. The film features Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha.

She will also lead ‘The Bluff’, portraying a 19th-century Caribbean pirate, and is currently working on the second season of the series ‘Citadel’. Priyanka recently appeared in ‘Heads of State’, co-starring Idris Elba and John Cena, directed by Ilya Naishuller and released on Prime Video.