By Grok News Desk
December 19, 2025
In a shocking turn of events that has gripped social media, popular Indian gaming influencer Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has become the latest victim of a vicious online controversy involving a purported private video leak.
The explicit clip, rumored to be around 19 minutes long and dubbed the “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS,” began circulating widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram starting around December 17, 2025. Netizens quickly linked the woman in the video to the 21-year-old YouTuber, sparking a frenzy of shares, memes, and paid downloads—some reports claim users paid up to ₹5,000 for access.
Payal Gaming Breaks Her Silence
Payal, who boasts over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and 4.2 million Instagram followers, addressed the scandal directly in a heartfelt Instagram post on December 17. In her statement, she categorically denied any involvement:
“I never expected to have to speak publicly about something so personal and distressing. Over the past few days, content has been circulated that falsely associates my name and image with a video currently being shared on digital platforms. I want to state this clearly and without ambiguity: the individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity.”
She urged the public and media to “refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about this material in any form” and revealed that “appropriate legal steps are being taken to address the misuse of my name and likeness.” Payal also shared the note on X, accompanied by a simple 🙏🏻 emoji, amassing over 28,000 likes.
Fans Rally in Defense Amid Deepfake Claims
Fans of the S8UL Esports-affiliated streamer were quick to defend her, flooding social media with claims that the video is an AI-generated deepfake or features a lookalike. “People need to understand how easy it is to create deepfake videos now. Dragging Payal Gaming’s name into this without proof is wrong,” one supporter wrote. Others highlighted similarities to recent hoaxes like the “19-minute viral video” falsely tied to influencer Sweet Zannat.
The backlash against rumor-mongers has been fierce, with many pointing to the ease of AI manipulation as the culprit behind such scandals. Payal’s loyal community, which has grown since her 2019 YouTube debut, emphasized her achievements—including being India’s first female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers and winning a 2024 MOBIES award.
Broader Implications: A Rising Tide of Deepfakes
This incident underscores the growing menace of deepfake technology targeting female creators. Under India’s IT Act Section 67, sharing obscene content can lead to fines up to ₹5 lakh or up to three years in jail for first offenses. Payal’s case echoes recent controversies, amplifying calls for stricter digital regulations and awareness.
As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on supporting Payal Gaming’s right to privacy and holding perpetrators accountable. The gaming community awaits justice, while the internet serves as a stark reminder: verify before you share.