A crowdwork segment from comedian Pranit More’s stand-up performance has sparked widespread criticism across social media platforms. The controversy began after a clip from the show went viral online, featuring an audience interaction that many viewers found offensive and inappropriate.The discussion centered around comments made by an audience member while talking about a recent date. The remarks quickly drew backlash from internet users, with many arguing that the statements promoted problematic attitudes towards women.
Dolly Singh calls for greater accountability
Among the most vocal critics was content creator Dolly Singh, who shared a lengthy note addressing male comedians and digital creators. She wrote, “If you can act all mature, open-minded, women-respecting (saying you’re a feminist ally would be a stretch) in your sets and overall media footprint, please at least try to act the same performative act in your crowdwork and Instagram too!”. Dolly further added, “Of course there are many misogynistic pieces of s* male creators/comics; what can we even say to them? But those who are at least nice (main toh performative hi bolungi vaise), I request you please bring it to your audience interactions too, online or offline.“**Referring directly to the viral incident, she wrote, “We’ve all seen the recent male comedian incident where not only did he let an as****e degrade a woman, promote extremely sexist and creepy behaviour on his live show, but he also laughed, clapped, laughed so hard he got up from his seat, requested a recreation of the incident, asked for details, got concerned over a religious mention but not for a woman, calculated the price of a kiss with said woman at 12 rupees, called that man the funniest in the room, and rewarded him with a cash prize of 5000 rupees. Disgusting behaviour.”
Creator shares personal experience
Dolly also expanded the discussion beyond the viral clip, highlighting what she believes is a larger issue in online spaces. She stated, “I’ve seen so many similar online incidents too where male creators will go sharing absurd, creepy stories about women, teaching the most f***-up things to their audience. And I say ‘teaching’ because I do believe art carries a responsibility. That’s my opinion. Feel free to disagree.” The influencer also recalled her own experiences with online abuse and questioned why many creators do not take stronger action against harassment within their digital communities.
Kusha Kapila joins the criticism
Content creator Kusha Kapila also reacted strongly to the controversy and encouraged women to speak openly against content they find objectionable. She wrote, “Urge women to call out disgusting comedy plenty. Please darna mat (please don’t be scared). Bakwaas kee hai toh drag karo badhiya se (if it’s nonsense, then call it out strongly). Uploading a clip like that is a choice. Choosing to crack ‘certain’ jokes on women and hosting that on your channel IS A CHOICE. All of it IS A CHOICE. This, btw, is not comedy! It’s content designed to get a reaction.”Kusha further added, “I am so glad so many women are calling it out. Bahut achha lag raha hai (it feels very good). Bahut mazza aa raha hai (I’m really enjoying it). Aaj main apne paison se order karke biryani khaungi (today I’ll order biryani with my own money and eat it).” In a separate video, she said, “Some of you men need to call this behaviour out. Some men who truly care. Not all men, right? I agree, not all men. Some need to come to the front and call this entitled, disgusting behaviour out.“
Pranit More responds to backlash
As criticism mounted, Pranit More addressed the controversy through a statement on Instagram. Responding to the backlash, he wrote, “I’ve seen the criticism regarding a recent crowdwork 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.”
