Comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and submitted a written apology regarding remarks made on his show "India's Got Latent" that were considered disrespectful to women. The appearance follows repeated summonses issued since February.
The controversy began after clips from "India's Got Latent" went viral earlier in the year, sparking outrage over remarks that seemed to trivialize rape and objectify women. Following the uproar, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell filed an FIR, and the NCW took suo motu cognizance of the matter. Raina removed the YouTube series in February and issued a public apology, expressing regret for any unintended harm caused.
During the hearing before NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, Raina expressed regret for his comments and assured the Commission that he would avoid such statements in the future. According to a statement, he also agreed to create content that upholds the dignity of women and spreads awareness about their rights and respect.
Chairperson Rahatkar emphasized to Raina that public figures must demonstrate sensitivity and respect towards women, especially on public platforms. She urged him to play a constructive role in promoting gender equality through his work. Raina accepted the Commission's guidance and promised to work towards producing content that honors women and contributes positively to public discourse.
The NCW stated that public figures and influencers have a significant responsibility in shaping societal attitudes. The Commission continues to monitor content across entertainment and digital media to ensure that women are portrayed respectfully and without prejudice. This incident is part of the Commission's broader initiative to hold media and entertainment platforms accountable for their role in reinforcing gender sensitivity and promoting the values of equality and respect for women.
The "India's Got Latent" show, which questioned talent within a dark-humor theme, gained a massive following, with some episodes reaching over 40 million views. However, Ranveer Allahbadia's comments on the show about parents and sex stirred controversy and led to widespread criticism and multiple police complaints. Allahbadia has since apologized for his "lapse in judgment".
Raina, along with other social media influencers, also appeared before the Supreme Court in a case concerning allegations of ridiculing people with disabilities. The court directed them to file written replies and appear in person at the next hearing.
