Samay Raina appears before NCW, submits apology over ‘India's Got Latent’ remarks

New Delhi: YouTuber and stand-up comedian Samay Raina appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday and submitted a written apology for remarks made during his online show India's Got Latent, which were deemed disrespectful towards women.

According to PTI, the NCW had issued multiple summonses to Raina over objectionable content in the now-removed show. His appearance before the panel, chaired by NCW Chairperson Vijay Rahatkar, came after repeated notices since February.

“During the hearing, Raina expressed regret for his comments and assured the Commission that he would avoid such statements in the future,” the NCW said in a statement. It added that Raina had agreed to create content that “upholds the dignity of women and spreads awareness about their rights and respect”.

Rahatkar told the comedian that public figures must demonstrate sensitivity and respect towards women, especially on public platforms. “She urged him to play a constructive role in promoting gender equality through his work,” the statement said.

As per the report, Raina accepted the Commission’s advice and “promised to work towards producing content that honours women and contributes positively to public discourse”, according to officials.

The controversy began earlier this year after clips from India's Got Latent went viral, drawing criticism over remarks that were seen as trivialising rape and objectifying women. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell filed an FIR, and the NCW took suo motu cognisance of the matter. The YouTube series was subsequently taken down in February.

Raina had earlier issued a public apology, stating he regretted “any unintended harm caused”. In the weeks following the backlash, he also announced a temporary break and launched an international comedy tour, which he cited as a reason for not attending the original NCW hearing on February 17, along with travel and security constraints.

Separately, Raina is also among five social media influencers who recently appeared before the Supreme Court in connection with a case seeking action against content ridiculing persons with disabilities.