Stand-up comedian Pranit More has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral crowd-work video that triggered allegations of promoting objectionable and offensive content.
In a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, More accepted responsibility for his conduct during the interaction and said he regretted not intervening when derogatory remarks were made during the show. The apology comes as Maharashtra Cyber investigates a case involving content from a stand-up comedy performance that was later circulated on social media platforms.
Speaking directly to his followers, More said he had wanted to address the controversy earlier but was unable to do so after his Instagram account was suspended.
He admitted that he became carried away during the exchange on stage and failed to act when inappropriate comments were being made.
“Hello, so I wanted to talk about this for a long time but my Instagram got suspended. You all must have seen my crowd work video for which I am getting a lot of hate, and I think I deserve this hate because when I was doing crowd work with that guy he said a lot of derogatory things, but everyone was laughing at him so I got carried away,” he said.
“I got a lapse in judgement and I think it was a big mistake of mine,” More added.
Comedian says he should have intervened
More said he had opportunities to stop the conversation or challenge the remarks but failed to do so.
“If I wanted, I could have stopped him there, or I could have taken a stand, but what I couldn’t do. I gave him a platform because of which these things escalated. So those who have been hurt because of this, I want to apologise to all of them,” he said.
He also appealed for another opportunity and promised to work on both himself and his future content.
“Whatever legal proceedings are being held against me, for that I am cooperating with the authorities, but I just want to request all of you… Please give me a chance, I will become a better person. This was a learning for me, so I am working on myself. I will also work on my content, and you will be able to see this in my future work,” he said.
Maharashtra Cyber files FIR
The controversy escalated after Maharashtra Cyber registered an FIR against More, Himanshu Jangra, Dr Sejal Pawar and others over the alleged publication and circulation of obscene and objectionable material from a stand-up comedy event held in Gurugram.
According to authorities, videos from the show were shared across platforms such as YouTube and Instagram and allegedly contained offensive remarks relating to women, consent and deceased persons.
Officials said one clip allegedly included comments by Dr Sejal Pawar concerning medical cadavers and deceased men. Another clip allegedly featured remarks by Himanshu Jangra that portrayed women in a derogatory manner and trivialised issues of consent and dignity.
The case has been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Political reactions
The controversy has also drawn political attention.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde called for a ban on stand-up comedy shows and said she would write to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue.
“A stand-up comedy show by Pranit More was organised here. Sejal Pawar, a student from our KEM Hospital, was present in the show… As the Mayor, I oppose this; it does not befit our Indian culture…. Stand-up comedy shows should be banned. I will write a letter to the Chief Minister,” Tawde told ANI.
Responding to the debate, Fadnavis said freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution but should be exercised responsibly.
“The Constitution of India grants everyone the freedom of expression. However, it also establishes safeguards to ensure this freedom is not misused. When expression becomes unrestrained, it infringes upon the right of individuals in society to live with dignity,” he said.