Vlogger Shenaz blames Ranveer Allahbadia controversy for losing brand deal
What's the story
The latest controversy over podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia's lewd comments on YouTube's popular show India's Got Latent has allegedly affected India's influencer economy.
Travel and lifestyle vlogger Shenaz Treasury shared that she has lost a brand partnership over this scandal.
She was supposed to partner with a marathon platform that offered her equity, but the deal fell through after the public outrage against Allahbadia.
Brand's decision
'They can't afford to have celebrities or influencers...'
Treasury told MoneyControl, "Following the Allahbadia controversy, they (the brand) called me and dropped me from the project which is very upsetting."
"They said they can't afford to have celebrities or influencers because look what happened with Allahbadia."
She further added, "If you say something then someone will come and shut us down. This is a big loss. Brands are being a little wary right now."
Controversial comments
Allahbadia's remarks led to public backlash and legal action
Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, is under public scrutiny and the subject of a police investigation for his lewd comments on Samay Raina's YouTube show.
He asked a contestant an inappropriate question about parents' intimate relationship, which faced widespread backlash from social media users, public figures, and political leaders.
Despite his apology and Raina's removal of all videos from his YouTube channel, the controversy continues to unfold.
Legal proceedings
Supreme Court shielded Allahbadia from arrest
While the Supreme Court has given Allahbadia protection from arrest, it slammed his behavior as "condemnable" and showing a "lack of responsibility."
The judge hearing the case said, "There is something dirty in his mind that has been vomited by way of this program."
These developments bring to light the risks and challenges influencers in India's digital economy are confronted with.