Payal Gaming Breaks Silence Amid Viral Video Controversy: ‘It’s Not Me’

Payal Gaming Breaks Silence on Viral Video Controversy, Denies Any Link and Announces Legal Action

Payal Gaming Breaks Silence Amid Viral Video Controversy

Popular YouTuber and gaming influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has issued a strong and emotional statement after being falsely linked to a viral video circulating on social media. The controversy, which gained traction across digital platforms, has sparked widespread speculation and concern among her followers.

In a detailed clarification released on Wednesday, Payal categorically denied any association with the video, calling the situation deeply distressing and personal. She stated clearly that the woman seen in the clip is not her and that the content has no connection to her life, identity, or choices.

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‘The Individual in the Video Is Not Me’

Addressing the controversy head-on, Payal said that misleading content had been circulated online falsely associating her name and image with the video. She emphasized that the claims were entirely untrue and damaging.

“I want to state this clearly and without ambiguity: the individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity,” she said in her statement.

The influencer also urged both the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about the material in any form, warning that such actions only amplify harm.

Legal Action Underway

Payal Gaming confirmed that she is taking appropriate legal steps to address the misuse of her name and likeness. According to her statement, accountability will be sought strictly in accordance with the law.

The development highlights growing concerns around online impersonation, misinformation, and digital abuse, especially targeting women creators. Legal experts note that such cases often involve violations of privacy, defamation, and cybercrime laws.

Who Is Payal Dhare?

Payal Dhare is one of India’s most recognized gaming creators, known for her engaging gameplay videos and live streams on YouTube. She has built a massive following of over 4.5 million subscribers, making her one of the most influential female gamers in the country.

Hailing from Chhindwara near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Payal’s journey has often been cited as an example of perseverance and self-belief. Coming from a modest background, she has spoken openly about lacking basic facilities during her early years.

She once revealed that she did not own a personal mobile phone even while studying in the 12th standard and learned about gaming through friends who visited cyber cafes.

From Small-Town Roots to National Recognition

Despite the challenges, Payal Gaming took a leap of faith when YouTube gaming began gaining popularity in India. She decided to try her hand at content creation, with a strong desire to inspire other girls to consider gaming as a career.

Her impact was formally recognized when she met the Prime Minister last year during a discussion on the future of gaming in India. She was the only female gamer present at the meeting, a moment she later described as unimaginable when she first started.

She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a retail line called Thriftxpayal, further expanding her brand beyond gaming.

Earnings and Influence

According to reports, Payal earns around USD 10,000 per month from her online ventures. Her estimated net worth reportedly ranges between ₹1 crore and ₹9 crore, reflecting her success as both a creator and entrepreneur.

This level of visibility, however, also brings vulnerability — something highlighted by the current viral video controversy.

The Viral Video Controversy Explained

The controversy erupted after a video began circulating online with claims suggesting that Payal Gaming was the woman featured in it. While some social media users spread the content further, many of her fans strongly rejected the claims, with several calling the clip a deepfake.

Disturbingly, reports suggest that some individuals were charging up to ₹5,000 to provide access to the video, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.

Legal Consequences of Sharing Objectionable Content

Under Section 67 of the IT Act, sharing obscene or objectionable material online is a punishable offence. For a first conviction, individuals can face a fine of up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment of up to three years. Repeat offences can lead to jail terms of up to five years and fines reaching ₹10 lakh.

The situation underscores the urgent need for digital responsibility and stronger enforcement against cyber abuse.

A Broader Issue of Online Safety

The viral video controversy involving Payal Gaming has once again highlighted the dark side of social media fame. False associations, deepfakes, and online harassment continue to pose serious threats to creators, particularly women.

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As Payal takes legal action, her case may serve as an important reminder that misinformation has real consequences — and that accountability in the digital space is no longer optional.

For now, Payal Gaming’s message is clear: the allegations are false, the content is not hers, and legal remedies are in motion.