Amulya Rattan on civic sense row: Accountability stops when it becomes humiliation

New Delhi: “Zero civic sense.” Three words were enough to ignite a social media storm and reopen a wider debate around influencer behaviour in public spaces. A short video featuring influencer Amulya Rattan, filmed during a content shoot, went viral after she appeared irritated by a passerby, triggering criticism, parody videos and backlash across platforms.

As everyday moments increasingly become content, influencers are under growing scrutiny not just for what they create, but for how they navigate shared public spaces. With visibility comes influence, and with it, expectations around responsibility and consideration for others.

That moment quickly became a flashpoint for a broader online debate, with criticism extending beyond the clip itself to questions around creator conduct, entitlement, and filming etiquette in shared public spaces.

Amid the backlash, Rattan has addressed the criticism and the wider conversation it sparked. In a conversation with BuzzInContent, the influencer reflects on the context she believes was missing, the pressures of public-facing content creation, and where she draws the line between accountability and online harassment.

You mentioned the clip was taken out of context. What part of the context do you feel people are still missing?

I think what’s still missing is what led up to that moment. That clip only shows my reaction, not the fact that I had already shifted spots multiple times and was trying to be mindful in a public space. It wasn’t about “owning” a space or expecting people to stop for me. It was a moment of frustration that came out impulsively, and unfortunately, that’s the only part people saw.

As content creation becomes more visible in everyday public spaces, where do you personally draw the line between convenience for creators and discomfort for others?

For me, the line is pretty simple: if someone looks uncomfortable or affected, I stop or move.

Public spaces belong to everyone, not creators. I don’t expect people to adjust for me, and I genuinely try to adapt instead. That day, I thought I was doing that, but clearly the situation still escalated, and that’s something I’ve reflected on.

Do you think influencer culture has unintentionally normalised a sense of entitlement in public settings? How do you make sure you don’t fall into that trap yourself?

Honestly, yes. I think it can if you’re not self-aware.

Visibility sometimes blurs boundaries, and creators can forget they’re still just another person in a shared space. I try to check myself by remembering that content is optional; people aren’t. No reel or clip is more important than basic respect, and this incident was a reminder of that.

How do you differentiate between valid criticism and trolling, and has this incident changed how you engage with either?

Valid criticism focuses on the action. Trolling attacks the person.

I’ve taken responsibility where it was needed, and I’m open to feedback. But when it turns into abuse, threats, or degrading language, that’s not accountability anymore. This incident has definitely made me more selective about what I engage with and what I choose to ignore.

At what point does online accountability turn into harassment, in your view, and who decides that line?

It turns into harassment when the conversation stops being about learning or correction and becomes about humiliation, name-calling, or intimidation.

The line is actually very clear; criticism doesn’t need slurs, threats, or personal attacks to make a point. Platforms have rules, and laws exist for a reason. Accountability should never come at the cost of someone’s safety or dignity.

Some viewers felt your clarification sounded rehearsed rather than spontaneous. Why do you think apologies from influencers are often met with scepticism?

I think when something becomes public very quickly, people expect an immediate, emotional response, but not everyone processes things that way.

For me, it was important to actually pause, reflect, and understand what I wanted to say before speaking. When you choose your words carefully, it can come across as rehearsed, but it’s really just about being responsible and thoughtful in how you address the situation.