December 19, 2025
Popular Indian gaming YouTuber and streamer Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has found herself at the center of a major online controversy following the circulation of an alleged intimate video on platforms like Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
The clip, described in various reports as lasting around 1 minute 20 seconds, began spreading rapidly on December 16-17, 2025, with users falsely claiming it featured Payal during her recent trip to Dubai. The controversy gained traction shortly after Payal went viral for an unrelated reason—being captured on camera in the stands during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India vs Australia semi-final match in Dubai.
However, multiple fact-checks and fan analyses have labeled the video as a deepfake or manipulated content involving an unrelated individual. Visual inconsistencies, such as differences in facial features and body type, have been highlighted by supporters. No verified evidence links the video to Payal, and experts note it appears to exploit her recent fame for clicks and malware distribution.
On December 18, Payal broke her silence with a statement on Instagram, clarifying: “The content circulating online falsely associates my name and image with a video… It has no connection to me.” She described the situation as “deeply hurtful and dehumanizing,” urging people to refrain from sharing or speculating about the material. Payal emphasized the real-life impact of such rumors on individuals and families.
Fans have rallied in support, condemning the spread of unverified content and calling out the misuse of AI tools to defame creators. This incident follows similar recent controversies involving other influencers, raising broader concerns about digital privacy, deepfakes, and online harassment targeting women in the public eye.
Payal Gaming, 21, hails from Madhya Pradesh and is one of India’s top female gamers, with over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers. She is affiliated with S8UL Esports, has collaborated with celebrities, and previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss gaming’s future. As of now, no further statements have been issued, but the episode underscores the growing dangers of AI-generated misinformation. Authorities and platforms are often urged to take stricter action against such violations.