Dubai, December 19, 2025 – Popular Indian gaming influencer and YouTuber Payal Dhare, better known as Payal Gaming, has become the center of a major online controversy following the circulation of an alleged private video titled “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS.” The clip, reportedly about 1 minute and 20 seconds long, has spread rapidly across platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp, sparking widespread speculation and debate.
Payal Gaming, a trailblazer in India’s gaming community, first gained massive attention earlier this year as the “viral girl” spotted in the stands during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match between India and Australia in Dubai. Her cheerful presence during the game went viral, boosting her already impressive following. With over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and millions on Instagram, Payal is celebrated for her engaging live streams and gameplay videos featuring titles like BGMI, PUBG, GTA V, and Call of Duty. She has also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss gaming as a career option for women and has won international awards, including at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards).
However, the recent scandal has shifted focus to a more troubling narrative. The video in question, often shared with sensational thumbnails and “full HD” download links, claims to feature Payal in an intimate moment. It emerged shortly after a similar “19-minute viral video” controversy involving other influencers like Sweet Zannat and Bengali creators Sofik SK and Dustu Sonali, which also spread via Telegram channels and social media.
Fans and experts quickly raised alarms about the authenticity of the clip. Many pointed to visual inconsistencies, such as mismatched facial features, as evidence of AI-generated deepfake technology. Social media users defended Payal, with comments like: “This doesn’t look real. Using AI videos to ruin someone’s image for views is disgusting.” Fact-checkers and digital forensics experts have labeled the content as manipulated or recycled from unrelated sources, designed to exploit Payal’s recent fame for clicks, phishing scams, or malware distribution.
On December 17, Payal addressed the rumors directly in a detailed Instagram post, breaking her silence:
“I never expected to have to speak publicly about something so personal and distressing. The content 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 described the incident as “deeply hurtful” and “dehumanizing,” emphasizing the real-world impact on individuals and families. Payal urged fans and the media to stop sharing or speculating about the material, noting that legal action is underway to address the misuse of her name and likeness.
The controversy highlights growing concerns over deepfakes and online harassment targeting female creators. Similar cases have plagued influencers recently, with experts warning that AI tools make it easier than ever to fabricate explicit content for malicious purposes.
As of now, Payal continues her activities from Dubai, sharing travel updates on Instagram. Her fans have rallied in support, calling for responsible online behavior and stricter measures against digital defamation. No official police complaint has been reported yet, but the incident underscores the urgent need for better platform moderation and awareness about AI misuse.
Payal Gaming’s statement has helped quell much of the speculation, but the episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures in the digital age. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.