New Delhi – Popular gaming content creator Payal Dhare, widely known as “Payal Gaming,” has issued a strong public statement addressing a viral video controversy that has circulated on social media over the past few days. Breaking her silence on Wednesday, Dhare categorically denied that the individual in the alleged “leaked MMS” is her and confirmed that legal steps are being taken against those responsible for misusing her name and likeness.
The Controversy
The issue began earlier this week when an explicit video began trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. Netizens and anonymous accounts circulated the footage, falsely claiming it featured the 24-year-old YouTuber, who was reportedly on a trip to Dubai at the time.
While the video spread rapidly, fans of the streamer immediately rallied to her defense, pointing out discrepancies in the footage and asserting that it appeared to be an AI-generated deepfake intended to tarnish her reputation. Fact-checking portals also flagged the video as unverified and likely manipulated, noting the growing trend of deepfake technology being used to harass female content creators.
“Not Me”: Payal Dhare’s Official Statement
After maintaining silence initially, Dhare released a text statement on her official Instagram handle, expressing her distress over the “false association” of her identity with the explicit content.
“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,” Dhare wrote in the statement.
She described the ordeal as “personal and distressing,” highlighting the emotional toll of such digital attacks. “What has been most painful is not only the misrepresentation itself, but the speed and ease with which a person’s dignity can be undermined in the digital space,” she added.
Legal Action and Plea to the Public
Dhare confirmed that she is moving forward with legal recourse to ensure accountability. “Appropriate legal steps are being taken to address the misuse of my name and likeness, and to ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” her post read.
She also urged the media and the public to stop circulating the footage, framing the incident not just as a personal attack but as part of a larger issue affecting women online. “This is not harmless content; it is deeply hurtful and dehumanizing,” she stated, thanking her community for their “kindness and trust” during the difficult time.
A Growing Threat for Creators
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the safety of digital creators in India. Fans and fellow influencers have condemned the weaponization of Deepfake AI, echoing similar recent cases where public figures have been targeted with morphed videos to generate sensationalism and clicks.









