In a shocking turn of events, the entertainment industry was left in disbelief when news of Poonam Pandey’s supposed death spread like wildfire on social media. The reality star had announced her demise on Instagram, sending shockwaves through her followers. However, suspicions arose among many who deemed it a possible publicity stunt.
A day later, Poonam Pandey put an end to the speculations by posting a video confirming she was alive and well. Astonishingly, she claimed the stunt was intended to raise awareness for cervical cancer patients. This revelation has not only sparked outrage but also prompted Maharashtra MLC Satyajeet Tambe to demand legal action against the controversial figure.
Expressing his disapproval, Tambe stated, “The news of an influencer/model dying of cervical cancer cannot be a means to spread awareness about the disease. The entire episode takes away the serious nature of cervical cancer and diverts the attention entirely to the influencer.” He emphasized the need for action, citing the dissemination of false or misleading information.
Numerous celebrities have openly condemned Poonam Pandey for what they consider a distasteful and insensitive publicity stunt. Actress Arti Singh took to Instagram, expressing her anger, “Disgusting… this is not awareness. I lost my mother when I was born coz of cancer. I lost my father coz of cancer…Just not acceptable: you are playing with everyone’s emotions.” Bipasha Basu joined in, denouncing the behavior as “beyond pathetic.”
Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri also criticized the marketing campaign, and Kangana Ranaut agreed with his tweet.
Actually, it was a marketing campaign for @thehauterrfly. Watch the end and the logo on right upper corner.
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) February 3, 2024
How sinister, how pathetic. pic.twitter.com/16aoUJNuq1
Cancer survivor Tahira Kashyap shared her dismay, stating, “Witnessed the lowest of lows today. Oscillating emotions between being triggered, angry, shocked, and disbelief. What are we becoming? How important is breaking news? At what cost?” Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Kangana Ranaut also criticized the marketing campaign.
Poonam Pandey publicity stunt
Adding to the criticism, Mini Mathur highlighted the lack of research behind Poonam Pandey’s stunt, saying, “This Poonam Pandey cervical cancer stunt is not just distasteful, tone-deaf, and insensitive… it also bases itself on zero research on the subject.” She condemned the act as a “sickening farce of a ‘campaign’” and criticized the influence of social media in diluting important discussions.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Mumbai Police will respond to the MLC’s demand for legal action against Poonam Pandey for what many are calling a shameful publicity stunt that crossed ethical boundaries.
