'I do not regret being part of India's Got Latent, freedom of speech is...': Panelist Raghu Ram after recording statement to cyber cell

Amid ongoing controversy around India's Got Latent, former panelist Raghu Ram mentioned that he doesn't regret being a part of the show and even apologized for hurting sentiments.

By Pramila Mandal

Updated on Feb 15, 2025 | 10:09 PM IST | 50.8K

Pic Credit: Raghu Ram Instagram

India's Got Latent controversy has been getting more intense day by day as several are accused of violating societal norms. Besides Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apurva Mukhija, and Ashish Chanchlani, Raghu Ram was also asked to appear at the Police station to record his statement. He was questioned by the Maharashtra Cyber Police on Thursday (February 13) in connection to Samay's show India's Got Latent. Now, after recording his statement, Raghu Ram has released an official statement on the ongoing controversy.

Taking to his Instagram account, Raghu Ram stated, "I do not regret being part of IGL." Further, he explained how he wished a few jokes on India's Got Latent were not included, as it has hurt many. He added, "Sensibilities of a paying audience in a show can differ from a larger youtube audience. I might have kept some jokes out of the episode, but I am nobody to tell Samay or the makers what jokes to keep and which, if any, words to beep. It is their call, and I'm sure they don't take that responsibility lightly."

Raghu, who had appeared on India's Got Latent as a panelist, expressed how stated strongly, "Freedom of speech is meaningless without the freedom to offend. Offence is often taken even when none is intended."

Take a look at Raghu Ram's statement here-

Raghu even apologized for hurting the sentiments and said, "But of course, I am sorry if I have actually caused hurt to anyone." In his statement, the famous personality explained how no comedians push boundaries but do not intend to hurt.

Sharing this post, MTV Roadies fame wrote in the caption, "The news seems to have its own way of reporting the ongoing IGL investigation. Statements I have made are being spun to make it sound different. Since their version is out, I'd like to put out mine as well."

The controversy began when Ranveer Allahbadia asked inappropriate questions to a contestant on India's Got Latent. Although Samay Raina's show had already been a topic of discussion, it grabbed eyeballs following Ranveer's comments, which sparked widespread outrage.

As a result, multiple FIRs were filed against those associated with the show, and social media erupted with criticism. Samay Raina decided to remove all episodes of the show from YouTube. The legal proceedings related to this incident are still ongoing.