Year-End 2025: Celebrities Who Faced Online Backlash and Why
2025 proved that fame and outrage can collide violently. Social media amplified every misstep, meme, and controversial remark. Short videos, AI-driven virality, and threaded debates made it easier than ever to celebrate or attack public figures. This year, several celebrities found themselves at the centre of trolling storms for missteps ranging from cultural insensitivity to past comments resurfacing online.
Ranveer Singh: Kantara Controversy
Ranveer Singh faced widespread criticism after mimicking a scene from the Kannada film Kantara: Chapter 1 at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Social media users and regional groups labelled the act culturally insensitive, claiming it disrespected local traditions. Ranveer quickly apologised, explaining that he meant no offence and acknowledging the sensitivity of the matter.
Ranveer Allahbadia: India’s Got Latent Backlash
Influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, came under fire following an episode of India’s Got Latent. He asked a contestant an inappropriate question that viewers found offensive. The comment sparked multiple FIRs, heated debates on influencer responsibility, and widespread trolling. Allahbadia apologised, calling it a “lapse in judgment,” but scrutiny continued.
Samay Raina: Controversial Content Fallout
Comedian Samay Raina also faced intense backlash over his remarks on India’s Got Latent. The comments drew online abuse, public outrage, and even legal complaints. Episodes were taken down, and live shows were cancelled as authorities and critics pressured him to respond.
Apoorva Mukhija: Social Media Firestorm
Influencer Apoorva Mukhija, known as The Rebel Kid, faced a wave of criticism after remarks on the same show. Misinterpretation and trolling challenged her online presence. She gradually regained part of her audience, but the controversy highlighted the risks influencers face in public discourse.
Mrunal Thakur: Body-Shaming Allegations
Actor Mrunal Thakur faced backlash after a resurfaced interview where she commented on Bipasha Basu’s physique, calling her “manly with muscles” and claiming superiority. She apologised on Instagram, saying her younger self “said silly things” and emphasised that beauty comes in all forms. Basu responded with a post promoting strong women, indirectly addressing the controversy.
Diljit Dosanjh: Sardaar Ji 3 Casting Issue
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh faced trolling after casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 amid India-Pakistan tensions. Social media erupted with boycott calls and disloyalty accusations. Due to geopolitical sensitivities, the film premiered overseas only. Dosanjh defended his choice and highlighted his co-star’s professionalism.
Kamal Haasan: Language Controversy
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan drew backlash after claiming “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during a promotional event for Thug Life. Netizens and language pride groups protested, burning posters and demanding accountability. Political leaders condemned the remarks. A Bengaluru court issued an interim order restricting him from making defamatory statements about Kannada. Haasan later clarified that his words were “misunderstood” and emphasised respect for all Indian languages.
In 2025, social media’s power to amplify missteps became clear. From cultural controversies to resurfaced statements, celebrities learned that online scrutiny could hit hard and fast. Apologies, clarifications, and legal interventions often followed, but public memory remained long. This year highlighted the thin line between fame and backlash in the digital age.
