New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday reacted to the controversy that erupted after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on the YouTube reality show 'India's Got Latent'.

"Any abusive language in the name of comedy content crosses limits is not acceptable to the country... You get a platform, that doesn't mean that you will utter anything," Priyanka said.

The MP further expressed concerns over Allahbadia’s influence on young audiences, questioning his responsibility as a content creator with millions of followers.

"This one wants to see parents’ intimacy. What level are we stooping to? He is someone with millions of subscribers, almost every politician has appeared in his podcast. The PM has given him an award… is this the way you’d speak or create content after receiving prestigious awards?" she asked.

Chaturvedi, who is a member of the standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasised the importance of setting boundaries in online content.

"As a member of the standing committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and as mother of 2 children who can be influenced by these kinds of contents, I will raise this issue. I'm also doing this for lakhs of other children who follow him and repeat his words. This type of content is harmful for the upcoming generations. It's important to set boundaries," she stated.

Social media uproar and legal complaint

Following his remarks, Allahbadia, who has over 600,000 followers on X, 4.5 million on Instagram, and 10.5 million YouTube subscribers, became a trending topic on social media. The comment made on Samay Raina’s comedy reality show 'India’s Got Latent,' which is popular among youth for its edgy content, has been widely panned. The remark led to a BJP functionary lodging a police complaint against the show’s makers, judges, and participants.

Ranveer Allahbadia issues apology

In response to the backlash, Allahbadia released an apology video on X on Monday, admitting that his remark was inappropriate and not funny.

"Comedy is not my forte. Just here to say sorry," said Allahbadia, who is popularly known as BeerBiceps.

He acknowledged the criticism from his audience and political figures, stating, "Many of you asked if this is how I wish to use my platform. Obviously, this is not how I wish to use my platform. I am not going to give any context, justification or reasoning behind whatever happened. I am just here for an apology. I, personally, had a lapse in judgement. It wasn't cool on my part."

The influencer, who has been accused of setting a bad example for young viewers, also stressed that he takes responsibility for his actions.

Allahbadia was one of the online content creators who last year received a National Creators Award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in New Delhi. In the past, the podcaster partnered with the Digital India Corporation to interview a series of Cabinet Ministers.

(With agency inputs)