Popular reality show India’s Got Latent, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, has found itself entangled in legal controversy after a contestant from Arunachal Pradesh made remarks that have sparked outrage. The show, which has gained immense popularity for showcasing unique talent, is now in the spotlight for an entirely different reason—allegations of offensive and misleading statements.
Controversial Comments Spark Backlash
During a members-only episode of India’s Got Latent, contestant Jessy Nabam made controversial remarks regarding the eating habits of people in Arunachal Pradesh. When asked by Samay Raina whether she had ever consumed dog meat, she replied that while she personally hadn’t, many in her state did. She even went on to claim that some individuals ate their own pets.
While the statement visibly shocked Samay Raina, fellow panelist Balraj Singh Ghai expressed skepticism, questioning the authenticity of the claim. Comedians Akash Gupta and Mallika Dua were also present as judges during the episode.
The comments quickly went viral, sparking heated debates on social media. Many accused Jessy Nabam of misrepresenting the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing negative stereotypes, and spreading misinformation.
Legal Trouble: FIR Filed Against Contestant
The controversy escalated when a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Jessy Nabam for her statements. A copy of the FIR, dated January 31, 2025, has been widely circulated online. It was filed by Armaan Ram Welly Bakha, a resident of Seppa, East Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, at the Itanagar Police Station.
According to the FIR, Jessy Nabam’s comments were derogatory and offensive toward the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The complaint demands swift legal action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This legal action has intensified discussions about the responsibility of content creators and participants in online platforms, particularly regarding cultural sensitivities.
The Dog Meat Controversy in Northeast India
The issue of dog meat consumption in the northeastern states of India has been a longstanding topic of debate. While the practice exists in some tribal communities, it is not representative of the entire population.
In 2021, an investigation by PETA India revealed that markets in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland were violating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by illegally selling dog meat. The Humane Society International has also reported that thousands of dogs are killed for meat every year, despite bans in several states.
However, many residents of these states have condemned the generalization of their communities based on these practices. They argue that such statements, like those made on India’s Got Latent, only fuel negative stereotypes and misunderstandings about their culture.
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Public Reaction and Show’s Response
As the controversy unfolds, fans of India’s Got Latent are divided. Some believe that Jessy Nabam should be held accountable for her statements, while others argue that the backlash is an overreaction.
So far, neither Samay Raina nor the show’s producers have issued an official statement regarding the FIR. However, the incident raises important questions about responsible content creation, ethical journalism, and the power of words in shaping public perception.
With legal action pending, it remains to be seen how India’s Got Latent and its creators will navigate this controversy. Will they issue an apology, or will they stand by their contestant’s right to free speech? One thing is certain—this incident has sparked a crucial dialogue on cultural sensitivity in India’s entertainment industry.
