Comedian Pranit More has reportedly deactivated his Instagram account days after he issued an apology for a viral stand-up clip that sparked widespread online criticism. Users searching for his profile found it inaccessible, with no visible activity, followers, or following. More has not released a separate statement regarding his Instagram status. The move comes as debate continues over his now-deleted clip, in which an audience member made remarks about expecting physical intimacy after paying for a meal.
Instagram deactivation amid controversy
According to Network18, screenshots of Pranit More's unavailable Instagram account surfaced online shortly after the controversy escalated. Social media users reacted to the development, questioning whether the comedian had truly taken responsibility for the clip. One user wrote, "Abhi aa jayega thode dino may bolke ki Detox pe gaya tha and all rona (He will come back in a few days saying he had gone on a detox and all that drama)." Another commented, "This isn't consequence, this is absence of accountability. He doesn't have the guts to come up and give a genuine apology, take a break from his shitty comedy and retrospects. Kya matlab deactivate karke bhaag gaya (What do you mean he deactivated and ran away)?" A third user remarked, "He did give an apology But kitni genuine thi vo nahi pata (but I don't know how genuine it was)."
Background of the viral clip
The backlash began after a video from one of More's stand-up shows went viral. In the clip, an audience member identified as Himanshu Jangra recounted a past dating experience. He mentioned that after having a meal with a girl, she asked him to drop her off, which surprised him. He then stated that he had paid Rs 370 for the meal and deserved a "return" on his investment, referring to physical intimacy. He said, "Maine kaha ki Rs 370 lage hain to use to wasool to karunga hi." Many users condemned the remark as problematic and misogynistic. Others criticized More for laughing during the exchange and later sharing the clip online instead of challenging the statement.
Pranit More's apology
More later apologized on Instagram before the account became inaccessible. He wrote, "The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. That was a lapse in judgement on my part." He also said, "Live crowdwork often involves reacting in real time, but that's not an excuse." More added that the video had been removed from all platforms because he did not want to "amplify or normalise those views." In his apology, he further stated, "I'm human, and like anyone else, I'm constantly learning." The controversy continues to draw reactions online.
