Elvish Yadav, a social media influencer, is under fire for allegedly making “derogatory and racist” remarks about Chum Darang, a former Miss Arunachal and Big Boss 18 participant, on a podcast with fellow contestant Rajat Dalal. On Saturday, Elvish clarified his podcast statements, noting that his disrespectful words about Chum had been removed from the show.
Elvish took to his social media handle X and wrote, “A statement from my podcast is being taken out of context and presented in a misleading way. There was never any intention to target or insult anyone. I have always believed in respect and inclusivity, and those who know me understand that I have nothing but love for everyone. It’s unfortunate that a false narrative is being created, completely misrepresenting my words. This whole issue is based on false allegations of racism, which is simply not true. To avoid further misinterpretation, the statement was removed from the podcast, and I also addressed the clarification in my next vlog. I have always stood for positivity and inclusivity and will continue to do so.”
In a podcast with Rajat Dalal, Elvish Yadav mocked Chum Darang and Karanveer Mehra, saying, “Karan Veer ko pakka Covid tha kyuki Chum kisko pasand aati hai bhai, itna taste kiska kharab hota hai.” Aur Chum ke naam mai hi ashleelta hai. My name is Chum, and I am from Gangubai, Kathiawadi. (Karan Veer must have suffered from COVID-19; else, who would want Chum? Who has such awful taste? Chum’s name contains obscenity. Her name is Chum, and she has worked in the film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’).
Chum Darang responded to Elvish’s comments with a strange note on Instagram. She wrote in her Instagram Stories, “Disrespecting someone’s identity and name is not ‘fun.’ Mocking someone’s achievements is not ‘banter.’ It’s time we draw the line between humour and hate. What’s even more disappointing is that this wasn’t just about my ethnicity my hard work and a film backed by a visionary like Sanjay Leela Bhansali were also disrespected.”