New Delhi, December 19, 2025 – Popular Indian gaming YouTuber and influencer Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has broken her silence on a highly circulated private video falsely linked to her name. In a detailed Instagram post on December 17, Payal categorically denied any connection to the clip, calling it distressing and confirming that the person in the video is not her.
The controversy erupted in mid-December when a short explicit video (often referred to as a “Dubai MMS leak” or linked to the viral “19-minute clip” trend) began spreading rapidly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Many users speculated that the woman in the footage was Payal, leading to widespread sharing of screenshots, short clips, and dubious links. The video was frequently titled “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS” or similar, capitalizing on her recent visibility during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai, where she went viral as a fan in the stands.
Payal Gaming, who has over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and is a prominent figure in India’s gaming community, is affiliated with S8UL Esports and has won international awards for her content. Fans quickly rallied in her defense, pointing out visual inconsistencies and labeling the video as an AI-generated deepfake designed for clicks and harassment. Many compared it to similar incidents involving other creators, such as Sweet Zannat, where unrelated explicit content was falsely attributed to public figures.
In her official statement, Payal wrote:
“I never expected to have to speak publicly about something so personal and distressing. Over the past few days, content has been circulated online that falsely associates my name and image with a video currently being shared on digital platforms. The individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity.”
She further urged the public and media to stop sharing or speculating about the material, describing it as “dehumanising” and harmful. Payal also revealed she is taking legal action against those misusing her name and likeness.
Experts and fact-checkers have confirmed that the circulating clips show signs of AI manipulation or are recycled from unrelated sources. Authorities and digital safety advocates have warned against sharing such content, noting that it often leads to phishing scams or further harassment. No authentic video of Payal Gaming exists, and the entire episode highlights the growing misuse of deepfake technology to defame women online.
Payal’s fans have expressed strong support, praising her resilience and calling for stricter action against those spreading misinformation. As of now, the influencer continues to focus on her gaming content and travel updates from Dubai.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by female creators in the digital space and the importance of verifying information before sharing.