Scroll through any social media platform today, and you’ll see it—people buying products recommended by their favorite creators, adopting lifestyle changes inspired by influencers, and shaping their worldviews based on online personalities. The power of influencers has become a defining force in modern culture. But with this influence comes responsibility—and sometimes, controversy.
In today’s hyper-connected world, a creator’s or influencer’s voice can travel across continents in seconds. With the power to influence millions, words are no longer mere expressions—they shape reputations, careers, and perceptions.
Social media has turned creativity into a career. From YouTube videos to Instagram reels and podcasts, creators build their brands by making content that entertains, informs, or sparks reactions. But sometimes, the desire to stand out leads to pushing boundaries. What starts as humor can cross the line into something hurtful.
That’s exactly what happened recently with popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps. He found himself facing severe backlash after a controversial clip from a YouTube show called India’s Got Latent went viral.
What went wrong?
In the episode Ranveer posed an unsettling and crude question involving parents and sex to a contestant. What was presumably intended as edgy humor quickly spiraled into something far more serious. Co-panelists Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija were also present during the exchange.
The clip went viral for all the wrong reasons, sparking public outrage across social media. Backlash soon escalated into police complaints, FIRs, and legal summons.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stressed that freedom of speech must not cross into obscenity, while Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed a case had been filed against Ranveer, Samay Raina, and others for promoting vulgarity.
The controversy extended offline, with police visiting Ranveer’s residence and a Parliamentary panel reportedly considering summoning him.
Singer B Praak canceled his appearance on Ranveer’s podcast, and the contentious episode was removed from YouTube by government order.
The fallout was swift. By February 11, Allahbadia lost over 46,000 Instagram followers and more than 60,000 YouTube subscribers within 3 days, according to HypeAuditor.
His net worth, estimated at over INR 60 crore, with monthly earnings of INR 35 lakh, also came under scrutiny.
Brand partnerships with Spotify, Mountain Dew, Amazon Prime Video, Intel, and Wow Skin Science now hang in the balance.
Ranveer apologized, admitting his remarks were offensive and acknowledging the toll on his family. He revealed his wife, Dr. Vaishnavi, was facing health issues due to the controversy’s mental strain.
Some brands quickly distance themselves, while others adopt a wait-and-watch approach. Though Allahbadia’s partners have not made official statements, brands typically prioritize their image over creator loyalty.
Interestingly, controversies can sometimes sustain an influencer’s visibility, albeit for the wrong reasons. Despite the backlash, Allahbadia’s name remains omnipresent across social media and news platforms. However, influencer marketing expert Pranav Panpalia noted that authenticity and credibility ultimately sustain an influencer’s career. Momentary virality, especially born from controversy, is unlikely to create lasting success. Real influence lies in meaningful engagement with the audience, not shock value.
How far is too far?
This incident is not an isolated one. Over the past few years, multiple creators have found themselves in similar hot water—all stemming from the same pattern: an unchecked statement, a misjudged joke, or a creative idea that veered into offensive territory. The reach of social media magnifies mistakes, leaving little room for second chances.
It raises an important question—how far is too far? Creativity is meant to challenge boundaries, but can it justify hurting sentiments? The freedom to create is invaluable, but so is the responsibility to respect diverse audiences.
Social media can build empires overnight and dismantle reputations just as swiftly. What began as a space for sharing personal moments has transformed into a stage where every word can spark global reactions.
In a world where opinions are amplified and outrage spreads faster than ever, “thinking before you speak” has never been more relevant.
Perhaps, it is time we revisit that age-old wisdom. Creativity should continue to soar, but not at the cost of respect and empathy.
