Comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina has recorded his statement with the Maharashtra Cyber Cell regarding controversial comments made during the show India’s Got Latent.
According to IANS, Raina expressed deep regret over his comments. He acknowledged his mistake and clarified that his words were not intentional. He explained that everything happened in the flow of the show. He assured authorities that he would be more cautious in the future to avoid similar incidents.
The comedian also mentioned that the situation had affected his mental well-being and his Canada tour was negatively impacted. 'I regret what I said, and I am aware that what I said was wrong,' Samay Raina added as quoted by IANS.
He appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Monday to record his statement. Raina, who was abroad when the complaint was registered, had been summoned multiple times but could not record his statement earlier. He had been in Canada for live shows since the controversy began.
The first summon required him to appear on February 18, but he was abroad at the time. He also missed the second summon, prompting authorities to issue a third notice for March 24.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Raina has canceled all shows on his India tour until further notice. He assured fans that refunds for canceled performances would be processed. “Hello guys, I am rescheduling my India tour. You all will get the refunds shortly, see you soon,” he wrote.
The controversy erupted after Allahbadia made an objectionable comment during his appearance as a special guest on Raina's show. He asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” The remark sparked public outrage and led to multiple FIRs against Allahbadia, Raina, Mukhija, and Chanchlani.
The Cyber Cell had previously recorded statements from Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani