Elvish Yadav, a well-known but often controversial figure in the entertainment space, found himself at the center of a serious controversy this week. The YouTuber, who gained fame through social media and his stint in Bigg Boss OTT 2, faced sharp criticism after making an offensive comment against actress and Bigg Boss 18 contestant Chum Darang. The comment, which quickly spread across the internet, triggered widespread anger, especially from people in Northeast India.
The controversy began during an episode of Elvish’s podcast where Rajat Dalal was invited as a guest. While discussing films and actors, Elvish made an insensitive remark about Chum’s appearance and name. Referring to her work in Heeramandi, he said, “Karan Veer must have definitely had COVID because who would like Chum, bro? Who has such bad taste! And even Chum’s name itself is vulgar. Her name is Chum, and she worked in Gangubai Kathiawadi.” The derogatory tone and words sparked immediate outrage on social media.
Chum Darang herself responded to the insult, criticizing Elvish for mocking not only her name but her identity and achievements. She expressed her disappointment publicly, pointing out how comments like these hurt the dignity of women from Northeast India. The Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission (APSWC) didn’t stay silent either. They formally reached out to the National Commission for Women (NCW), demanding strict action against the YouTuber. In their letter, they condemned his remarks as insulting to Chum and degrading to women from the region.
Faced with mounting backlash, Elvish was summoned to the NCW office in Delhi. On April 22, he appeared before the commission. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he issued an official apology. While speaking to the media after his visit, Elvish admitted his mistake. He told ANI, “I agree that if people felt hurt by my words, then I must have said something wrong. That’s why, in this matter, I went inside and apologized. I don’t have anything personal against anyone, nor do I hold any grudges. I’ve submitted my apology.”
During the media interaction, he reflected on how one’s thinking evolves with age and experience. He suggested that many people misinterpreted his intention but also accepted that such a remark shouldn’t have been made. He emphasized that personal maturity comes over time, and mistakes like these offer lessons in sensitivity.
The APSWC continued to press for accountability. They stated that derogatory remarks, whether made in humor or not, reflect deep-rooted biases that need to be addressed. Their official letter made it clear that such comments were not just about one individual but insulted every woman from the region.
#WATCH | Delhi: On visiting the NCW Office, YouTuber Elvish Yadav says, "… There are many people who did not understand my intentions… I agree that if people are bothered by my statements, I must have said something wrong. In regards to this case, I went inside and… pic.twitter.com/VNiNNp5zui
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
As the controversy raged on, the incident served as a reminder of how influential personalities carry a responsibility with their words. Elvish’s remark, made casually in a conversation, turned into a national issue, shedding light on the everyday prejudices faced by certain communities. And while an apology was offered, the damage had already been done, leaving both the audience and industry insiders reflecting on the importance of sensitivity, respect, and accountability in public conversations.
