Stand-up comedian Pranit More has issued a second public apology following widespread criticism over remarks made during a comedy show in Gurugram that sparked a debate about consent, misogyny, and the responsibilities of public performers. The controversy erupted after a viral video showed More laughing during an audience interaction in which a man suggested he expected sexual favours after spending Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani during a date. The clip drew strong reactions online, with many users accusing the comedian of normalising inappropriate and coercive attitudes toward women.
The incident occurred during a crowd-work segment of More's performance when web developer Himanshu Jangra recounted his dating experience. According to the viral video, Jangra claimed that after paying for a meal, he sought sexual favours from the woman involved when she asked him to drop her home. While More did not make the remarks himself, his reaction to the comments became the focus of criticism, with social media users arguing that laughter from a performer on stage effectively endorsed the sentiments being expressed.
In his latest apology issued on Saturday, More acknowledged that he had exercised poor judgment during the interaction. He stated that although the audience was laughing, he should have intervened and challenged the comments instead of allowing the conversation to continue. Calling it a significant mistake, the comedian admitted that giving the speaker a platform contributed to the escalation of the controversy. More said he understood the anger directed toward him and appealed for a second chance, promising to learn from the incident and reflect that growth in his future work.
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The controversy has also attracted the attention of authorities and public institutions. The National Commission for Women (NCW) summoned both More and Jangra, stating that their conduct appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual behaviour. Meanwhile, Jangra reportedly lost his job following the backlash. More is also facing a cyber police case related to allegations of disseminating objectionable content, adding further legal scrutiny to the matter.
The issue widened after another video from the comedian's show surfaced online, featuring MBBS student Sejal Pawar making controversial remarks about medical cadavers used in educational training. The comments prompted criticism from medical authorities, leading Mumbai's KEM Hospital to establish a committee to examine the matter. Hospital officials described the remarks as disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased, while Pawar later issued an apology for her statements.
Political leaders and civic authorities have since weighed in on the debate. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde urged entertainers and digital content creators to exercise greater social responsibility, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that freedom of expression should not come at the expense of another person's dignity. The controversy has reignited broader discussions about the limits of comedy, ethical standards in entertainment, and the responsibility of performers to address harmful or discriminatory remarks made on their platforms.
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