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Being a comedian comes with a responsibility; in the name of jokes or humour, one can’t make sexually explicit jokes or go below the belt just to make content go viral. Lately, we have seen netizens calling out jokes and stand-up comedians for their crass lines, and they laugh at them for views, shares and likes.

The Pranit More crowd-work controversy involved a man from Gurugram who recounted a date, claiming that since he paid Rs 370 for a biryani, he wanted to “vasool” (recover the value of it) and expected sexual favours in return. He didn’t stop there. He went on to say that he tried to kiss the woman and touched her despite her not being willing to do so. During the crowd-work segment, Pranit did not stop him. Instead, he laughed, encouraged the conversation and even rewarded him at the end, calling him the best person in the crowd and saying he had entertained everyone.

Pranit More apologises over ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ controversy says his IG account was suspended

After the clip went viral, the outrage spread like wildfire. Pranit More was slammed online, while the man, identified as Himanshu Jange, lost his job. Pranit had deactivated his account after issuing an apology. However, on June 13, he shared an Instagram video and once again apologised, acknowledging that he could have stopped the man who made a number of derogatory statements.

He admitted that he got carried away because the audience was laughing. He also said that the hate he has been receiving is justified.

He said in the video, “You all must have seen my crowd work video, for which I’m getting a lot of hate, and I think I deserve this hate too. Kyunki us ladke se jab main crowd work kar raha tha, usne kaafi derogatory cheesein boli, but sab log us par rahe rahe tha” (You all must have seen my crowd-work video, for which I’ve been receiving a lot of hate, and I feel I probably deserve this criticism too. During the crowd-work interaction, that boy made several derogatory remarks, but everyone was laughing at them.

He added, “I also got carried away and I had a lapse in judgment. This was a very big mistake of mine. I wanted him to be able to stop the vehicle or stand, which I could not do. I gave him a platform, due to which this thing escalated so much” (I also got carried away, and it led to a lapse in judgment on my part. That was a major mistake. I could have stopped him right there or took a stand, but I failed to do so. By giving him a platform, I allowed the situation to escalate to this extent).

He further said, “I want to apologize to everyone who has been hurt because of this. I am also cooperating with the authorities regarding any legal proceedings being carried out against me.”

He concluded, “I just want to request that you give me one chance. I will prove that I can become a better person. This has been a learning experience for me as well, and I will work on myself and my content. You will be able to see that growth in my future work).

After Pranit More Row, Comedian Madhur Virli Deactivates Social Media As Old Clip Sparks Outrage

After comedian Pranit More, another stand-up comic has landed in controversy. This time, it is Madhur Virli. The comedian has deactivated his social media account after an old performance clip resurfaced online. With an investigation already underway in connection with Pranit’s controversy, several social media users are now demanding strict action against Madhur as well.

The video of Madhur has gone viral on social media, in which he is seen making comments about rape. In the clip, he appears to explain why some perpetrators commit murder after rape. His remarks have been widely criticised online, with many users calling them insensitive and objectionable.

A user uploaded the video on X, writing, “After Pranit, now MADHUR VIRLI. Such insensitive comments against rape victims. People are speaking anything BS in the name of dank comedy. Strict action needed.”

Another user tagged the National Commission for Women and urged authorities to take action against the comedian. The post read, “@NCWIndia take some strict action against this filthy man, Madhur Virli.”

Madhur Virli hasn’t reacted to the controversy so far.

Coming back to Pranit he had previously taken to his Instagram Story and written, “I’ve seen the criticism regarding a recent crowd-work clip. The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. That was a lapse in judgement on my part.”