Samay Raina's "India's Got Latent" Controversy: A Comprehensive Overview
The Samay Raina controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent has sparked intense debate after an explicit remark on the show led to legal action and public backlash. While FIRs were filed against Raina and others, the incident has divided opinions on comedy, censorship, and digital content responsibility.
ENTERTAINMENT INSIGHTS
deepita
2/16/20252 min read
In February 2025, comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina found himself at the center of a significant controversy surrounding his popular YouTube show, "India's Got Latent." The situation escalated following an episode featuring podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, who made a provocative remark that ignited widespread backlash.
The Controversial Episode
During a bonus episode of "India's Got Latent," aired on February 10, 2025, Ranveer Allahbadia posed an explicit question to a contestant:
"Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?"
This question was met with immediate outrage from viewers and netizens, leading to multiple complaints and legal actions against the show's participants.
The backlash resulted in at least two First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and other panelists, one in Assam and another in Mumbai. The complaints accused them of promoting obscenity and engaging in vulgar discussions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the registration of an FIR, stating that the Guwahati Crime Branch had filed the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
In Mumbai, the police summoned Samay Raina to record his statement. However, as he was on a tour in the United States, his lawyer requested an extension. The Mumbai Police granted him time until March 10, 2025, to appear before them.
The incident has polarized opinions within the entertainment industry. Comedian Bharti Singh defended Samay Raina, emphasizing that participation in such shows is voluntary and that he doesn't coerce anyone into making specific remarks. She stated, "Samay doesn't force you to speak. He is a good boy and very talented.
Internationally, Indian-American comedian Akaash Singh expressed his support for Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia. He tweeted, "I endorse the jokes of @ReheSamay, @BeerBicepsGuy, and EVERY comedian in India."
Additionally, rapper Badshah showed solidarity by shouting "Free Samay Raina" during a concert at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat. This gesture was met with cheers from the audience, reflecting public support for the comedian.
Current Status
In response to the controversy, Samay Raina removed all episodes of "India's Got Latent" from his YouTube channel. He expressed that the situation had become overwhelming and stated his intention to cooperate fully with investigative agencies to ensure a fair inquiry.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a broader debate on the boundaries of comedy, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of content creators in the digital age.
For more insights, you can watch Samay Raina's statement on the controversy:
