Comedian Abhishek Upmanyu has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his response to a Pakistani social media user, which has since drawn sharp criticism online.
Abhishek seemed to support a remark that Indians "deserve the racism" they encounter in Western nations, which infuriated internet users, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent tourists.
Abhishek apparently responded to the growing criticism by deactivating his X account as the situation worsened.
The incident has sparked a broader social media discussion about nationalism, how to be sensitive during national tragedies, and the role that public figures play in influencing online discourse.
An offensive note targeting women across the border was shared on X, prompting a reaction from a Pakistani user with the handle @lilmisskhawaja, who responded to it with a critical comment. “Zero class. Abuses is not equal to humour. The whole world sees your country as this hub of rapists and rightfully so. This is 'funny' according to the average Indian. You lot deserve all the racism you're facing in the west”.
Abhishek seemingly agreed to the social media user's stance, and wrote, "Yup" under it.
Many social media users took issue with his stance, sparking widespread backlash that ultimately led to him deactivating his account. One fan wrote, "Bhai aap apne “abuse-less” humour se India me hazaron ticket bechte ho, and you agree with the generalisation that Indians deserves racism and being called rapists because of our humour?" Another pointed out, "Earlier I was your big fan of stand up comedy even I admired the most in stand up comedy scene but For the person who is earning and getting fam so much from indian audience and agreeing from some pakistani that indian deserves hate. You failed as a indian SHAME ON YOU." One user also wrote, "Excuse me? This is so unfair bro."
Abhishek Upmanyu has not yet spoken out or issued an official statement in response to the continued criticism on social media as users noticed the comedian's account abruptly disappearing.
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