Apoorva Mukhija, widely recognized as Rebel Kid, has been officially removed from the list of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) ambassadors amid mounting controversy. The decision comes in response to the backlash following her appearance on comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent, where YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial remark about parents, sparking outrage across social media.
The IIFA, which is set to take place in Jaipur on March 8-9 under the Rajasthan Tourism Ministry’s auspices, had initially named Apoorva Mukhija as one of its official ambassadors. However, amid growing controversy, an official statement from Rajasthan’s Tourism Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Diya Kumari’s office, confirmed that Mukhija has been removed from the role.
“It has been mentioned on behalf of IIFA that the name of social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija has been removed from the list of IIFA ambassadors. She is now not officially a part of the list of IIFA ambassadors,” the statement read.
The situation escalated when the Karni Sena, a fringe right-wing group known for its past protests against Bollywood films, issued threats to disrupt Apoorva’s upcoming shoot in Udaipur. This raised security concerns and further fueled the controversy surrounding her association with IIFA. The organization’s stance added pressure on the event organizers and the Rajasthan government, eventually leading to her removal.
The catalyst for the backlash was the latest episode of India’s Got Latent, hosted by Samay Raina, where guest Ranveer Allahbadia made an inappropriate comment involving parents, which was deemed offensive and distasteful. The remark was widely criticized as “crass and irresponsible,” drawing ire from netizens, public figures, and political groups alike.
Following the outrage, YouTube India took down the episode at the directive of the Indian government. Additionally, legal action was initiated, with an FIR lodged against Apoorva Mukhija, Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and 26 others involved in the show’s production.
Apoorva Mukhija, a prominent content creator with a strong social media presence, has yet to officially respond to the controversy. While some of her followers have expressed support, many have criticized her involvement in the show. Discussions around free speech, accountability, and the role of influencers in public discourse have gained momentum online.
With IIFA distancing itself from Apoorva Mukhija, the fallout from this controversy continues to unfold, raising questions about the growing scrutiny faced by digital creators and entertainers in India.
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