The recent controversy surrounding Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and Ashish Chanchalani following the India’s Got Latent show has significantly impacted the influencer marketing industry. The backlash, public outrage, and brand withdrawals have led to a sharp decline in endorsement rates and an overall shift in brand strategies.
This blog will systematically break down:
- What happened in the India’s Got Latent controversy
- How it affected influencers and brands
- The broader implications for the influencer economy
- Steps influencers and brands can take to prevent such issues in the future
The India’s Got Latent Controversy: What Happened?
The controversy began when Ranveer Allahbadia, a well-known YouTuber and podcaster, appeared as a guest on the show India’s Got Latent, hosted by stand-up comedian Samay Raina. During the show, Allahbadia asked a contestant an extremely inappropriate and disturbing question:
“Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?”
This remark was met with instant backlash across social media. The video of this moment went viral, leading to:
- Public outrage over the vulgar nature of the content.
- Multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) being filed against Ranveer Allahbadia and other show members.
- Criticism from the Supreme Court of India, which declared that such vulgar comedy cannot be considered talent.
- The deletion of all episodes of India’s Got Latent by Samay Raina.
- A significant drop in influencer brand deals and rates.
Although the Supreme Court later allowed Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast, The Ranveer Show, it imposed strict conditions to ensure content remained within ethical and moral standards.
How Did This Controversy Impact Influencer Marketing?
This controversy had a ripple effect on the entire influencer ecosystem, causing:
A. Decline in Brand Deals & Endorsement Rates
- Brands have cut influencer rates by 50% in some cases.
- Top influencers who used to charge ₹2.5 lakh per post have seen a 5-10% drop in rates.
- Many brands are reconsidering influencer collaborations, avoiding those who might bring negative publicity.
B. Increased Scrutiny of Influencer Content
- Brands are now going through old posts of influencers to check for controversial content.
- Some influencers have deleted posts from 10-12 years ago to avoid future backlash.
- Influencers must now pre-approve even personal content to ensure it does not offend any audience.
Also Read: Boost Your Energy with Reliance Campa Urban Hustle Campaign – Agency Masala
C. Loss of Trust in Influencers
- Many brands are now shifting their marketing budgets towards less controversial, more traditional advertising.
- The controversy has reduced the overall credibility of influencers as trustworthy brand ambassadors.
- Influencers with a large following are being scrutinized more than ever.
D. Career Uncertainty for Influencers
- Stand-up comedian Samay Raina lost his brand deal with an energy drink company.
- Many influencers, even those not involved in the controversy, have seen deals canceled or postponed.
- Some influencers have become more careful and reserved in their content creation, fearing backlash.
Broader Implications for the Influencer Economy
The controversy has highlighted several critical issues in the influencer marketing industry:
A. The Rise & Fall of Influencers Is Rapid
Influencers can rise to fame quickly, but a single mistake can lead to massive backlash and career damage. This situation is similar to the Noida metro station birthday incident where Flying Beast (Gaurav Taneja) faced a major backlash, resulting in a 50% drop in his brand value.
B. Brands Are Now Prioritizing “Safe” Influencers
Marketing agencies now look for less controversial influencers who do not have a polarizing effect on audiences. This has led to:
- A shift in preference toward micro and nano-influencers who have a smaller but highly engaged and safe audience.
- Larger influencers losing deals as they are seen as “too risky.”
C. Stricter Guidelines for Content Creation
- The Supreme Court’s ruling now forces influencers to maintain moral and ethical standards.
- Brands will require contractual agreements ensuring influencers avoid controversial topics.
- Comedy and roast culture in India are under greater scrutiny, making it harder for creators to push boundaries.
Also Read: Britannia Marie Gold Celebrates Avani Lekhara with a Special Edition
How Can Influencers & Brands Prevent Such Controversies?
To avoid similar issues in the future, both influencers and brands must adopt clear strategies and guidelines.
A. For Influencers:
✅ Think Before You Speak: Avoid content that might be offensive, especially on sensitive topics like family, gender, or religion.
✅ Have a PR Strategy: Influencers should work with PR professionals who can help navigate crises.
✅ Screen Your Content: Before posting, review content to check for potential controversies.
✅ Understand Your Audience: Be aware of cultural sensitivities and audience expectations.
✅ Have an Apology Plan: If an issue arises, acknowledge the mistake, apologize sincerely, and take corrective action.
✅ Diversify Income Streams: Influencers should not rely solely on brand deals. Building other sources of income (merchandise, paid subscriptions, courses, etc.) helps reduce financial dependency on brand endorsements.
B. For Brands:
✅ Do Thorough Background Checks: Brands should research an influencer’s past content before signing deals.
✅ Develop Crisis Management Plans: Have a strategy in place for handling controversies involving influencers.
✅ Work With Less Controversial Creators: Collaborate with influencers who have a positive, non-polarizing reputation.
✅ Consider Short-Term Contracts: Instead of long-term sponsorships, use trial collaborations to gauge an influencer’s impact.
✅ Encourage Responsible Content: Brands should encourage positive and educational content instead of controversial humor.
Conclusion: Learning From the India’s Got Latent Controversy
The India’s Got Latent controversy is a wake-up call for influencers, brands, and the digital entertainment industry. It highlights the risks of crossing ethical and moral boundaries in content creation and shows how quickly the influencer economy can change due to public perception.
While influencer marketing remains a powerful industry, the need for responsibility, accountability, and thoughtful content creation has never been higher. By adopting best practices and avoiding risky content, influencers and brands can protect their reputations, maintain steady incomes, and ensure long-term success in the digital age.
Final Thought:
If you’re an influencer or planning to enter the creator space, learn from this incident, create responsibly, and focus on adding value to your audience rather than chasing controversy for views.
