Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, is a prominent Indian gaming content creator and streamer. She rose to fame through gameplay videos and live streams of titles like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), PUBG, and GTA V. Starting her YouTube journey in 2019, she became one of India’s leading female gamers, affiliated with S8UL Esports, with over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and millions of followers on Instagram as of late 2025.
In mid-December 2025, an explicit private video began circulating widely on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Instagram. Many users falsely claimed the woman in the clip was Payal Gaming, often tagging it as a “Dubai MMS leak” (possibly linked to her recent visibility during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai). This quickly trended, sparking massive speculation and harassment.
Key Facts from Reports and Payal’s Response:
- The video is fake: Multiple sources, including fact-checks from outlets like MyKhel and fan analyses on X, confirmed the clip is AI-generated deepfake or manipulated content. Inconsistencies (e.g., facial mismatches, poor syncing) were highlighted, and no authentic evidence linked it to Payal.
- Payal Dhare’s official statement (posted on Instagram and referenced across news sites like Hindustan Times, India TV, and Economic Times on December 17-18, 2025):
“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. I want to state this clearly and without ambiguity: 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 hurtful” and “dehumanizing,” emphasizing: “These actions have consequences far beyond the screen, affecting real people, real families, and real lives.” Payal urged people to stop sharing or speculating and mentioned pursuing legal action.
- Fan and community reaction: Her supporters rallied strongly, calling out the deepfake and urging responsible behavior. Posts on X stressed empathy, noting how such rumors can harm mental health and reputation. Many condemned the spread for “views and clicks,” with warnings about AI misuse.
Broader Context and Warnings:
This incident follows a pattern of similar fake controversies targeting Indian influencers (e.g., recent cases like the “19-minute video” involving other creators). Deepfakes are increasingly common, enabled by AI tools, and can lead to severe real-world impacts like harassment and defamation.
Under India’s IT Act (updated rules in 2025), creating or spreading deepfakes/non-consensual intimate content is punishable, including under Sections 66D (cheating by personation) and 67/67A (obscene material).
Advice: Avoid searching for, sharing, or engaging with unverified viral clips. Report suspicious content on platforms. Speculation without proof only amplifies harm—focus on verified information and support creators speaking out against misinformation.
Payal has continued her work despite the ordeal, and her fans have shown overwhelming support. This highlights growing concerns over digital privacy and AI ethics in India.