New Delhi, December 19, 2025 – Popular Indian gaming YouTuber Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has strongly denied any connection to a viral intimate video circulating on social media platforms. The 21-year-old influencer, who boasts over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and 4.2 million Instagram followers, broke her silence on December 17 via an Instagram post, stating unequivocally: “The individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity.”
The controversy erupted earlier this week when an explicit clip began spreading rapidly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Instagram. Netizens falsely linked the video to Payal Gaming, often titling it “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS” – a reference to her recent viral fame during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai, where stadium cameras captured her in the stands.
Fans quickly rallied in her defense, labeling the video as an AI-generated deepfake or a recycled clip of an unrelated person. “Dragging Payal Gaming’s name into this without proof is wrong,” one supporter posted on X. Digital experts and fact-checks from outlets like MyKhel and BollywoodShaadis confirmed the footage lacks any verified link to Payal, describing it as part of a growing trend of malicious clickbait and deepfake harassment targeting female creators.
In her statement, Payal described the ordeal as “deeply hurtful and dehumanizing,” emphasizing the real-world impact of such misinformation. “What has been most painful is not only the misrepresentation itself, but the speed and ease with which a person’s dignity can be undermined in the digital space,” she wrote. She urged the public to stop sharing the content and revealed that legal action is underway against those misusing her image.
Payal Gaming rose to prominence starting her YouTube channel in 2019 with gameplay streams of titles like BGMI, PUBG, and GTA V. Affiliated with S8UL Esports, she became India’s first female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers and won international recognition at the 2024 MOBIES awards. Last year, she was the only female representative when select gamers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the industry’s future.
This incident follows similar recent cases, including Bengali influencers facing alleged leaks (later debunked) and Telugu actress Nivetha Thomas speaking out against AI deepfakes. Experts warn of rising deepfake threats, urging caution against unverified viral content.
Authorities remind users that sharing non-consensual or fabricated intimate material can have legal repercussions. Payal’s supporters, including fellow creators like Ashish Chanchlani and Uorfi Javed, have voiced solidarity, calling for greater online accountability.
As the story develops, Payal continues to focus on her gaming content, with fans encouraging her to “stay strong.”