Poonam Pandey fake death news controversy
After spreading fake death news on the internet, Poonam Pandey released a video on 3rd February, stating that she is alive. Poonam Pandey's team had earlier confirmed her death due to cervical cancer.
Poonam Pandey released a video and wrote, "I feel compelled to share something significant with you all - I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease. Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take. Visit the link in the bio to delve deeper into what can be done. Together, let’s strive to put an end to the devastating impact of the disease and bring #DeathToCervicalCancer"
Poona Pandey explained that in order to spread awareness regarding cervical cancer she spread her fake death news, to draw attention to this curable disease.
Demands for Legal action against Poonam Pandey
Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Satyajeet Tambe has asked Mumbai Police to take strict action against Poonam Pandey. He further added that under Section 195 (1) of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, strict actions must be taken on Poonam Pandey for publishing false or misleading information and jeopardizing the sovereignty unity and integrity.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has released a statement asking for an FIR against Poonam Pandey or spreading fake death news for publicity. AICWA released on X, "The Fake PR stunt by Model and Actress Poonam Pandey is highly wrong. Using the guise of Cervical Cancer for self-promotion is not acceptable. After this news, people may hesitate to believe any Death news in the Indian film industry. No one in the film industry Stoops to such levels for PR. Poonam Pandey's manager had confirmed the False News, so there should be an FIR against Poonam Pandey and her Manager to prevent anyone exploiting their own death news for personal gains (PR). The entire Indian film industry, along with the entire nation, paid tribute."
Poonam Pandey criticized and slammed for her publicity stunt
Vivek Agnihotri posted Poonam's video on X and wrote, “Actually, it was a marketing campaign for @thehauterrfly. Watch the end and the logo on right upper corner. How sinister, how pathetic.” Reacting to the post, Kangana Ranaut wrote, “Agree.”
Bipasha Basu reacted on Poonam's post, "Beyond pathetic behaviour. The PR people behind this should be ashamed too… not just this person."
Tahira Kashyap wrote on her Instagram Stories, "Witnessed the lowest of lows today. Oscillating emotions between being triggered, angry, shocked and disbelief. What are we becoming? How important is breaking news? At what cost? So put off by the cheap publicity stunt. Not naming just because the person doesn't deserve any importance whatsoever."
Mini Mathur shared on her Instagram Stories, "This Poonam Pandey cervical cancer stunt is not just distasteful, tone deaf and insensitive... it also bases itself on zero research on the subject. Not to take away from the lack of awareness around it but a mere Google search will tell you that there are 8 stages to cervical cancer and an average of 5-10 year gestation period for it to reach its advanced stage. "Brands and campaigns need to choose their ambassadors carefully. Who you want to represent your cause, your campaign is as important. Poonam Pandey may have seen this as an opportunity to be relevant again. But the campaign team... you picked HER for HPV vaccine awareness? Really? Because she is an icon for women in this country? Her loss will feel personal for all of us? Hard relate?"
Mandira Bedi too slammed Poonam Pandey for her publicity stunt, as she wrote on her Instagram Stories, "That idiotic woman should not be given more attention than she already has got. But this was the most pathetic, cheap and deplorable publicity stunt. Even in the pitiful world of 'any publicity is good publicity'... This doesn't make the cut. She doesn't strike me as someone who was doing this for the 'cause' of anything, but herself. She should be boycotted. #sickening Cancel the lowlife."
