December 19, 2025 – Popular Indian gaming YouTuber Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has firmly denied any connection to a viral explicit video circulating on social media platforms. The clip, which surfaced earlier this week and was falsely linked to her, has sparked widespread speculation, but Payal has clarified that it is not her and has no relation to her personal life.
In a detailed statement posted on Instagram on December 17, Payal addressed the issue directly: “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 situation as “deeply personal and distressing,” highlighting the pain caused by the rapid spread of misleading content online. Payal urged the public and media to refrain from sharing or speculating about the material, adding that she is pursuing legal action against the misuse of her name and image.
The controversy began when an unverified intimate video started trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with some users claiming it featured the 25-year-old influencer. Titles like “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS” fueled the rumors, especially after Payal gained attention earlier in 2025 as a viral spectator during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. However, fans quickly rallied in her support, labeling the video as an AI-generated deepfake or recycled unrelated footage.
Multiple fact-checks and reports from outlets like Hindustan Times, Economic Times, and News18 have supported this view, noting a rising trend of fabricated clips targeting public figures for clicks and harassment. Similar incidents have affected other creators recently, raising concerns about digital privacy and the dangers of unverified content.
Payal Gaming, who started her YouTube channel in 2019 focusing on games like BGMI, PUBG, and GTA V, has built a massive following: over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and millions on Instagram. She is recognized as one of India’s top female gamers, having won awards like Female Streamer of the Year and even meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the gaming industry.
As of now, no credible evidence links Payal to the video, and authorities have warned against sharing such content due to potential legal consequences. Fans continue to show solidarity, emphasizing the need for responsible online behavior in an era of easy AI manipulation.
This incident underscores the growing challenges faced by influencers in protecting their reputation amid viral misinformation. Payal’s supporters have praised her for handling the matter with grace while taking firm steps for accountability.