'India's Got Latent' controversy: Comedian Samay Raina's Gujarat shows canceled
What's the story
The ongoing controversy over the YouTube show India's Got Latent has resulted in the cancelation of comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina's upcoming performances in Gujarat.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed on Wednesday that Raina's April shows were no longer happening.
And, now, the shows have been removed from the BookMyShow listing.
Raina had planned four shows in the state—one in Surat (April 17) and Vadodara (on April 18), and two in Ahmedabad on April 19 and 20.
Show removal
Raina deleted 'India's Got Latent' episodes from his YouTube channel
Raina, who hosts India's Got Latent, has been in the hot seat ever since a controversial joke by fellow YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (aka BeerBiceps) became a national issue.
The objectionable remark resulted in multiple FIRs against Raina, Allahbadia, and others associated with the show.
Addressing the backlash, Raina announced on X on Wednesday that he had removed all episodes of India's Got Latent from his YouTube channel as the controversy was "too much to handle."
Apology issued
Allahbadia faced backlash for his controversial remark
Allahbadia was widely criticized after a distasteful joke about parents and sex on India's Got Latent went viral on social media.
He subsequently apologized for his "lapse in judgment" and asked the creators of the show to take down the contentious segment.
However, despite the apology, an FIR was filed against him in Guwahati and the matter was raised by a Shiv Sena MP in Parliament.
Legal action
Maharashtra cyber cell filed case against 'India's Got Latent' team
Separately, the Maharashtra government's cyber cell unit has also taken legal action against those behind the first six episodes of India's Got Latent.
Around 40 people have been booked in connection with the case, ANI reported.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted that there are boundaries to freedom of speech, adding action should be taken if someone violates societal rules.
Industry reaction
AICWA and singer B Praak condemned Allahbadia's remarks
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also condemned Allahbadia's remarks. Singer B Praak also canceled his appearance on Allahbadia's show, slamming his "pathetic thinking."
VHP regional secretary Ashvin Patel said the decision to cancel Raina's shows was taken in light of public anger. He thanked the people of Gujarat for their vigilance and requested organizers to not host events of such people in the state.