Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 15: Stand-up comedian Madhur Virli has issued a public apology after an old clip from his 2024 comedy special Love & Latex resurfaced on social media, triggering widespread criticism and calls for action against him.
The controversy comes days after comedian and former Bigg Boss 19 contestant Pranit More found himself embroiled in a separate controversy over remarks made by an audience member during one of his shows.
Responding to the backlash, Virli shared a statement on his YouTube channel, expressing regret over the content of the resurfaced clip.
“This is to apologise for a video of mine that is currently being shared online. The clip being circulated is from a performance I did around two years ago. Soon after performing that bit, I understood how wrong it was and took it down at that time, long before the clip started circulating again recently,” he said.
Virli added that while comedy can engage with difficult subjects, certain topics require greater sensitivity and discretion.
“I do believe comedy can question ideas and engage with difficult subjects. But certain topics require sensitivity, context and informed discretion. When an attempt falls short, the only honest thing to do is acknowledge it, apologise and do better. This is one of those moments for me,” he stated.
He also clarified that his Instagram account had been deactivated around six months ago and reiterated his apology.
The backlash erupted after an old clip from Virli’s stand-up routine began circulating online. In the segment, the comedian was seen making remarks related to rape cases and discussing a hypothetical scenario involving sexual assault and murder. The comments were widely criticised by social media users, who described them as insensitive and inappropriate.
The controversy follows a recent uproar involving comedian Pranit More’s show, where audience member Himanshu Jangra drew criticism for allegedly making misogynistic remarks during an interaction. The comments went viral, leading to public condemnation, the filing of a police complaint, and Jangra reportedly losing his job.
An FIR was also registered by Maharashtra Cyber Police in connection with the incident involving More and Jangra. Both later issued public apologies.
Virli’s apology comes amid growing scrutiny of content created by stand-up comedians and renewed debate over the boundaries of humour, free expression and social responsibility.