Ranveer Allahbadia might've thought he was the golden boy of YouTube, but one viral clip later, he's watching his digital kingdom crumble in real-time. Known for his motivational takes and 'holier-than-thou' podcast persona, the influencer landed in hot water after a cringe-worthy, explicit question on India's Got Latent. The internet? Not having it.
A clip featuring Allahbadia asking an outrageously inappropriate question went viral, and let's just say, people didn't exactly appreciate his 'unfiltered' humor. The result? A mass unfollow movement across platforms. Reports claim he has lost over 2 million subscribers on YouTube, though independent verification is pending. However, what's clear is that his follower count on Instagram and X has also taken a hit, signaling that his once-loyal fanbase isn't as loyal anymore.
While Allahbadia is no stranger to controversy, this time, the damage seems real. Social media users are dragging him for being 'fake' and 'problematic,' with one calling him out for ¡°pretending to be all spiritual and wise¡± while making ¡°vulgar and tone-deaf remarks.¡± Another user insisted that his award recognition should be revoked, tagging none other than PM Narendra Modi in the process.
But the backlash isn't just digital. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Guwahati Police have filed an FIR against Allahbadia and others involved in the show for allegedly promoting obscenity. Even Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis weighed in, stating that influencers must be held accountable when they cross societal boundaries.
If influencers are walking billboards, Allahbadia's 'ad space' might be looking a lot less attractive to brands. According to industry insiders, his collaborations with major brands like Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, Mountain Dew, and Intel are now under scrutiny. Neha Arora, CEO of Value4Brand, noted that brands today are hyper-aware of their public image and tend to distance themselves from influencers who court controversy.
Yasin Hamidani, Director of Media Care Brand Solutions, believes an FIR-backed controversy could make brands hesitant. ¡°While he has a strong personal brand, companies with strict brand safety policies might pause or reconsider collaborations,¡± he explained.
And that's not all. Singer B Praak publicly announced that he was canceling his upcoming appearance on BeerBiceps, citing Allahbadia's ¡°pathetic mindset¡± as a dealbreaker. The writing's on the wall¡ªbig names might not want to be associated with him anymore.
Realizing the mess he's in, Allahbadia quickly issued a public apology, calling his remarks ¡°not appropriate¡± and ¡°not even funny.¡± But will that be enough? Experts suggest that while a strong apology can soften the impact, the internet never forgets.
Mohit Ghate, Co-founder of Wit & Chai, summed it up perfectly: ¡°In the race for clout, influencers forget that brands aren't just buying reach; they're investing in reputation. One reckless moment can set fire to years of brand trust.¡± And as cancel culture has repeatedly proven¡ªthere are no second chances once the internet decides it's done with you.
If there's one takeaway from this fiasco, it's that the digital mic is always on, and in an era where online sentiment shifts faster than an Instagram reel, one misstep can cost you millions¡ªboth in followers and revenue. Allahbadia might still have a shot at rebuilding his image, but for now, his future in brand endorsements looks shakier than ever.