Popular gaming influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has issued a strong public clarification after a viral video circulating online was falsely linked to her identity. Calling the episode “distressing and personal”, she categorically denied being the person seen in the clip and urged the public and media to stop sharing or speculating about it.
‘This video has nothing to do with me’
In a detailed social media post on Wednesday, Payal stated that content being circulated online had wrongly associated her name and image with the controversial video.
“I want to state this clearly and without ambiguity: the individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity,” she said.
She further appealed to users and media platforms to “refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about this material in any form.”
Legal action underway
Payal confirmed that she is taking legal steps against the misuse of her name and likeness.
“Appropriate legal steps are being taken to address this misuse and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” she added.
Several fans have come out in her support, with many claiming the clip could be morphed or a deepfake, and condemning the online targeting of the creator.
Who is Payal Dhare?
Payal Dhare is one of India’s most prominent gaming creators, with over 45 lakh subscribers on YouTube. Hailing from Chhindwara near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, she rose to prominence through live streams and gameplay content.
Last year, she was among a select group of Indian gamers who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future of gaming in India, becoming the only woman at the interaction. She has often spoken about her modest beginnings and lack of access to gaming resources during her school years.
Apart from content creation, Payal also runs a retail venture, Thriftxpayal.
Warning against sharing obscene content
Reports suggest that the video in question is being circulated illegally, with some allegedly charging money for access. Under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, sharing obscene or objectionable content online is a punishable offence, attracting imprisonment and heavy fines.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of misinformation, deepfakes, and online harassment faced by public figures, especially women creators.
Excerpt:
Gaming influencer Payal Dhare has denied any link to a viral video circulating online and urged the public to stop sharing false and harmful content.
Meta title:
Payal Gaming denies viral video link, seeks legal action
Meta description:
Payal Dhare, known as Payal Gaming, has denied claims linking her to a viral video and urged restraint, saying legal action is underway.
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Payal Gaming, Payal Dhare, social media controversy, viral video, online harassment, newskarnataka