Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, a prominent Indian gaming streamer and content creator associated with S8UL Esports, has been at the center of a major online controversy since mid-December 2025. An explicit video began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Instagram, with malicious claims falsely linking it to her—often dubbed the “Dubai MMS leak” after she gained viral fame attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai.
Key Facts and Timeline:
- Origin of the Scandal: The clip surfaced around December 15-16, 2025, spreading rapidly with unverified captions tagging Payal’s name. No evidence confirms her involvement.
- Fan and Community Response: Her supporters immediately defended her, pointing out mismatches (e.g., facial features, body type) and labeling it an AI-generated deepfake or recycled unrelated footage created for clicks, views, and harassment.
- Payal’s Official Statement (December 17, 2025): Breaking her initial silence via an Instagram post, Payal addressed the issue directly:
- She clarified the video has no connection to her and is a misrepresentation.
- Described the situation as “deeply hurtful and dehumanizing,” emphasizing how such actions affect “real people, real families, and real lives.”
- Urged the public and media to refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about the unverified content.
- Confirmed she is pursuing appropriate legal steps against the misuse of her name and likeness.
- Expressed gratitude for the support from fans, which gave her strength.
Broader Context:
- This incident highlights the rising misuse of deepfake technology targeting female creators and influencers in India, similar to recent cases involving others like Sweet Zannat, Sreeleela, and Nivetha Thomas.
- Multiple news outlets (e.g., Bollywood Life, India TV, Economic Times, Moneycontrol) and fact-checks have corroborated that the video is fabricated, often used as clickbait leading to scams or malware.
- Payal, one of India’s top female gamers with millions of followers on YouTube and Instagram, has built her career on games like BGMI, PUBG, and GTA V. She’s won awards like Mobile Streamer of the Year and collaborated with celebrities.
Important Reminder:
Spreading unverified or morphed content can have serious legal consequences under Indian IT laws (e.g., for defamation, impersonation, or non-consensual imagery). Respect privacy, verify sources, and avoid amplifying harmful misinformation.
As of December 19, 2025, no new developments have been reported beyond her statement and ongoing calls for accountability. Payal continues to focus on her content creation, and her community remains supportive.