Social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija has been removed from the official ambassador list of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) following a major controversy. The decision came after widespread backlash over her remarks on a reality show, which many deemed offensive.
IIFA Drops Apoorva Mukhija After Public Outrage
Apoorva Mukhija, who was set to be an official ambassador for IIFA 2025, has been dropped from the event. She was scheduled to shoot promotional content in Udaipur on February 20. However, after news of her visit surfaced, strong opposition emerged, particularly from the Rajput Karni Sena. The group issued a warning that if she set foot in Rajasthan, she would face severe protests.
The controversy began when Mukhija made explicit comments about women’s private parts during her appearance on India’s Got Latent, a reality show known for its unscripted format. Her remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many calling for strict action against her.
Karni Sena Threatens Protests Against Mukhija
The Rajput Karni Sena, a group known for its protests against controversial public figures, strongly opposed Mukhija’s visit to Rajasthan. The group threatened to block her entry at the airport and warned of severe consequences if she attended the event. The pressure escalated to such an extent that IIFA organizers decided to remove her from the ambassador list to avoid further controversy.
The IIFA awards, set to take place on March 8 and 9, will be held in Rajasthan for the first time. The event is expected to attract major Bollywood celebrities. Before the awards, Mukhija was supposed to participate in a pre-event promotional shoot. However, following the uproar, her name was removed from all official plans.
Police Investigation and Mukhija’s Response
Amid the growing controversy, Mumbai police questioned Apoorva Mukhija regarding her remarks. She recorded her statement at Khar Police Station, where she defended herself by stating that India’s Got Latent is an unscripted show where panelists and contestants are free to express themselves. She also clarified that the judges on the show do not receive payments but can share content on social media.
Mukhija, widely known as “The Rebel Kid” on social media, has been involved in several controversies in the past due to her outspoken nature. However, this latest incident has sparked unprecedented backlash, leading to serious consequences for her career.