Popular YouTuber and winner of Bigg Boss OTT 2, Elvish Yadav, has publicly responded to serious allegations of being involved in an NGO scam. The controversy erupted after he appealed to his massive online following to donate funds for a child suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Elvish Yadav's Firm Denial on Social Media
On Saturday, Elvish Yadav took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to address the growing speculation head-on. He shared a video message where he firmly denied receiving any financial compensation in exchange for promoting the fundraising campaign. The influencer stated categorically that he does not accept money for helping people, questioning the logic behind such claims.
"I'm seeing this everywhere that people are saying 'Elvish is involved in a scam and took money'," he said in Hindi. "First of all, I don't take money for helping anyone. If they're giving me money, then what need do they have for help?" He explained that the request to help the child came through a close friend and that monetizing such a sensitive situation was never an option.
Transparency of the Fundraising Campaign
Addressing the core of the scam allegations, Elvish Yadav emphasized the transparency of the entire donation drive. He stressed that all details were open for public verification. The NGO's barcode, fund-tracking information, and donation records were visible to anyone, allowing donors to see where their money was going.
He added a personal note, saying he had reviewed the child's medical reports, hospital documents, and doctor's details, all of which appeared genuine. Expressing his frustration with the accusations, Elvish said he believes God has provided him with enough and he has no reason to engage in fraudulent activities. He urged critics to focus on their own work instead of trying to pull others down.
Munawar Faruqui's Remarks That Sparked the Debate
The controversy gained momentum after fellow influencer and comedian Munawar Faruqui made indirect comments about celebrities being paid to promote fundraising campaigns. Although he did not name anyone, the timing of his remarks led netizens and fans to connect them directly to Elvish Yadav's appeal for the Rs 9 crore injection needed for the SMA treatment.
Munawar had expressed astonishment on Instagram, questioning the ethics of taking fees for such promotions. He raised concerns about where the leftover funds would go after the treatment, casting doubt on the authenticity of some campaigns. While no direct link was established, the online community was quick to speculate, leading to a divided opinion among followers of both influencers.
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by social media personalities when they leverage their influence for charitable causes. It underscores the need for absolute transparency in digital fundraising, especially when large sums like the Rs 9 crore are involved. As the debate continues, Elvish Yadav's direct response aims to clear the air and restore trust among his supporters.
