Paparazzo Viral Bhayani has come under fire and faces calls for legal action following a controversial Instagram story that drew widespread condemnation for offensive remarks about Hindu religious figures.
Bhayani drew parallels between Goddess Sita and Nita Ambani, wife of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, in the aftermath of their son Anant Ambani’s viral wedding.
In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Bhayani wrote,
“Nowadays only 2 husbands matter in India, Sita’s & Nita’s,”
sparking outrage and backlash from users on the platform.
The post, which came after Anant Ambani’s high-profile wedding attended by global personalities like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, led to speculation about its connection to the Ram Mandir inauguration.
Responding to the public outcry, Viral Bhayani issued an apology on Instagram, stating,
“I apologize for this story, but I have no intentions to hurt any religious sentiments.”
However, dissatisfaction persists among netizens who question the trend of offending religious sentiments followed by apologies.
This isn’t Viral Bhayani‘s first brush with controversy, having previously made remarks about marriages involving Bollywood figures like Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif.
Netizens expressed their discontent, criticizing Bhayani for his offensive post and subsequent apology. One user remarked, “It has become fashion, first post the stories about Hindu bhagwan and then apologize,” while another added, “Shame on you.”
Despite deleting the post and issuing a public apology, Bhayani continues to face criticism, with calls for legal action emerging from some users who emphasize the need for thoughtful consideration before posting.
Delete this Story you Mf @viralbhayani77 and Apologies or Be Ready to Face Legal Consequences
We know your Office Address too pic.twitter.com/uqJZYgJ4vA
— Randomsena (@randomsena) March 6, 2024
Sorry if it hurt anyone. Im extremely sorry and have deleted the story. 🙏
— Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani77) March 6, 2024
I deeply apologize on behalf of my team and myself for the story put up. It was just a forward and my team unintentionally put it up. But I realised that it was wrong and being an ardent follower of Shree Ram, i understand that I have hurt religious sentiments
— Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani77) March 6, 2024
— Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani77) March 6, 2024
This incident raises concerns about the responsibility of public figures, including paparazzi, in respecting religious sentiments and the potential consequences of offensive content in the age of social media. It also highlights the evolving dynamics between freedom of expression and the need for sensitivity in public discourse.
The incident occurred amidst the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with the wedding scheduled for July 12, 2024.
