NCW summons YouTuber Elvish Yadav for making derogatory and racial comments on Bigg Boss contestant Chum Darang: Report

Elvish Yadav summoned by NCW

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in following controversial remarks made by YouTuber and digital influencer Elvish Yadav about actress and Bigg Boss 18 contestant Chum Darang.

As per a report from Times of India, The NCW has issued a summons, requiring Elvish to appear before them on February 17 to address the issue.

The controversy began after Elvish Yadav made derogatory and racially insensitive comments about Darang during his podcast with Rajat Dalal.

He mocked her name, questioned her nationality, and made fun of her role in the critically acclaimed film Gangubai Kathiawadi. His comments quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism and backlash across social media platforms.

In the podcast, Elvish said, “Karan Veer must have had COVID because who would even like Chum? Who has such terrible taste? And her name itself sounds obscene… Her name is Chum, and she worked in Gangubai Kathiawadi.” These remarks sparked outrage, with many accusing Yadav of crossing the line between humour and disrespect.

In response to the backlash, Darang strongly condemned Yadav's comments, calling them deeply disrespectful and harmful. She emphasised that humour should never be used as an excuse for belittling someone's identity or achievements. “Mocking someone’s name and ethnicity is not entertainment,” she stated in a formal response on her Instagram stories.

Yadav later addressed the controversy in a vlog, where he expressed uncertainty about whether his comments were indeed racist. However, after reviewing the online discussions, he chose to take the controversial portion of the podcast down. “If anyone felt offended, I have removed that section,” he explained, attempting to address the issue and mitigate the fallout.

The incident highlights the growing concern about online influencers and their responsibility in maintaining respect and sensitivity, particularly when dealing with issues of race and ethnicity. Yadav's actions have sparked a larger conversation about the limits of humour and the impact of public figures on their audience.