New Delhi, December 19, 2025 – Popular Indian YouTuber and gamer Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has found herself at the center of a major online storm following the circulation of an alleged intimate video falsely linked to her. The clip, often referred to in searches as “Payal Gaming viral video” or “Dubai MMS,” has sparked widespread speculation, but the influencer has categorically denied any involvement, labeling it distressing and fabricated.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when unverified clips and screenshots began spreading rapidly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. Many users claimed the woman in the video was Payal, with some titling it “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS” – possibly linking it to her recent viral fame as a spectator during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. Searches for “Payal Gaming Viral Video Download Full” surged, highlighting a troubling trend of curiosity-driven clicks on explicit content.
However, fans quickly rallied in support, insisting the video is an AI-generated deepfake or recycled footage of an unrelated person. “Dragging Payal Gaming’s name into this without proof is wrong,” one user posted on X, while others condemned the use of AI to tarnish reputations for views. This incident follows similar recent cases involving creators like Sweet Zannat and Bengali influencers, where fake or misattributed videos fueled harassment.
On December 17, Payal broke her silence with a detailed statement on Instagram. “I never expected to speak publicly about something so personal and distressing,” she wrote. “The individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity.” She described the rapid spread of the content as “dehumanising,” emphasizing its real-world impact on individuals and families. Payal urged the public and media to refrain from sharing or speculating, adding that she is pursuing legal action against the misuse of her name and likeness.
Payal Gaming, 21, rose to prominence through her engaging gameplay streams of titles like BGMI, PUBG, and GTA V. Starting her YouTube channel in 2019, she became the first Indian female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers and has collaborated with S8UL Esports. She has earned accolades, including an international MOBIES award in 2024, and even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss gaming as a career for women.
Experts and fans point to a growing issue of deepfakes targeting female creators, often used for clickbait or defamation. Authorities have previously warned against sharing such unverified content, noting potential legal consequences.
As of now, no credible evidence supports the claims linking Payal to the video, and fact-checks from multiple outlets confirm it as misleading. Payal’s supporters continue to trend messages of solidarity, calling for greater digital responsibility in an era where AI can easily fabricate harm.