Mumbai: Social media influencer Elvish Yadav has been summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) for his racist comments on ‘Bigg Boss 18’ contestant Chum Darang. The YouTuber has been asked to appear before the NCW on February 17, according to a News18 report.
The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission For Women (APSCW) had appealed the NCW to take suo moto cognizance of the issue to ensure justice to Chum and the northeastern community.
The APSCW, in its letter addressed to the NCW chairperson, stated that Elvish’s remarks on Chum were offensive and stressed that such derogatory statements “create a sense of fear and intimidation among women from the region, especially those aspiring to make a mark in Bollywood.”
During a conversation with Rajat Dalal on his podcast, Elvish made fun of Chum’s name and her casting in Bollywood film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’
“Karanveer ko pakka COVID tha kyunki Chum kisko pasand aati hai bhai, itna taste kiska kharab hota hai! Aur Chum ke toh naam mein hi ashleelta hai… Naam Chum aur kaam Gangubai Kathiawadi mein kiya hai (Karanveer must have definitely had COVID because who would like Chum, bro? Who has such bad taste! And even Chum’s name itself is vulgar… Her name is Chum, and she worked in Gangubai Kathiawadi),” Elvish said.
Lashing out at Elvish for his racist comments, Chum wrote on her Instagram handle, “Disrespecting someone’s identity and name is not ‘fun.’ Mocking someone’s achievements is not ‘banter.’ It’s time we draw the line between humour and hate.”
“What’s even more disappointing is that this wasn’t just about my ethnicity. My hard work and a film backed by a visionary like Sanjay Leela Bhansali were also disrespected,” she added.
Elvish defended himself and refused to apology by stating, “Toh maine kholke dekha maine kahi kya racist remarks pass kare hain? Maine Chum ke upar kuch bol rakha tha. Waise maine kaha maine bola ya nahi, hatao, mujhe negativity chahiye hi nahi. Agar maan lo kisiko kharab lag raha hai mere bolne se, toh bhai, wo part maine remove kar diya. (So, I checked to see if I had said any racist remarks. I had said something about Chum. I don’t care whether I said it or not, I removed it. I don’t want any negativity. If anyone felt bad because of what I said, then brother, I have removed that part).”
