Elvish Yadav Apologises After NCW Summons Over Racist Remarks Against Chum Darang
Elvish Yadav has finally apologised to Chum Darang after receiving backlash on social media.
YouTuber and ‘Bigg Boss OTT 2’ winner Elvish Yadav has apologised to actress and ‘Bigg Boss 18’ fame Chum Darang after facing heavy backlash online. The controversy erupted after Elvish Yadav was summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) over allegedly racist remarks made against Chum Darang. In an interview with ANI, Elvish Yadav clarified that his comments were misunderstood and insisted that he never intended to offend or hurt anyone’s sentiments.
“As we grow in life and our age increases, maturity comes, and those who were bothered by the 'Chum' part – there are many people who did not understand my intentions,” he told ANI following his appearance before the NCW.
“I agree that if people are bothered by my statements, I must have said something wrong. In regard to this case, I went inside and apologised. I have nothing personal against anyone, nor do I hold grudges. I have submitted my apology to all the people I have hurt, especially Chum. I don’t even know her personally. But my apologies to everyone who has been hurt by my remarks,” he added.
For the unversed, in February, Elvish Yadav faced scrutiny for his alleged racist remarks against Chum Darang. During a podcast with Rajat Dalal, Elvish seemingly mocked Chum Darang's name and ethnicity.
He also made some derogatory remarks about her appearance and role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role.
“Karan Veer ko pakka Covid tha kyuki Chum kisko pasand aati hai bhai, itna taste kiska kharab hota hai? Aur Chum ke toh naam mai hi ashleelta hai. Naam Chum aur kaam Gangubai Kathiawadi mein kiya hai,” said Elvish Yadav.
Chum Darang had then slammed him for disrespecting her identity and mocking her name. Taking to social media, she wrote, “Disrespecting someone’s identity and name is not ‘fun.’ Mocking someone’s achievements is not ‘banter.’ It’s time we draw the line between humor 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.”
After Chum Darang's reaction, Arunachal Pradesh State Women's Commission (APSCW) condemned Elvish's remarks.
The APSCW called for action to be taken against the YouTuber in a formal letter to the NCW.
Despite the backlash, Elvish Yadav initially dismissed the issue. In a vlog, he attempted to downplay his comments by saying, “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.”
