Priyanka Chopra Faces Backlash Over Viral Airport Video
Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra found herself at the center of a social media storm recently when an old airport video resurfaced online, sparking allegations of staged fan interactions. The video, which quickly went viral across multiple platforms, showed the same two fans approaching the actor twice within minutes at an airport, leading to widespread criticism and accusations of a manufactured PR stunt.
The Controversial Video Details
The throwback clip captured Priyanka Chopra exiting an airport where two enthusiastic fans were seen following her on two separate occasions. The first interaction occurred at the airport entrance, where the fans requested autographs and photographs, which the actor graciously provided. However, within approximately two minutes, the same individuals appeared again in front of paparazzi, repeating their request for signatures.
This dual appearance in different locations within the terminal raised eyebrows among social media users. Many netizens immediately labeled the incident as a fake PR move, criticizing what they perceived as manufactured fan moments commonly orchestrated by celebrity public relations teams. The controversy gained significant traction when the video was shared on Instagram by Timesapplaud Buzz with a caption questioning the authenticity of the fan encounter.
Bella Thorne Comes to Priyanka's Defense
Hollywood actress Bella Thorne unexpectedly entered the conversation after coming across one of the viral posts discussing the alleged staged moment. The Famous in Love star directly addressed the allegations in the comment section, firmly defending Priyanka Chopra against the PR stunt claims.
Bella Thorne wrote, "No, I don't think this is a PR stunt. They just follow you everywhere when you're in the terminal they also sell those pages online. That's why it's on a blank piece of paper. They can actually take your signature and Photoshop over whatever they want and it would look like you have signed it."
Thorne further explained that the actor was likely just being polite by signing autographs again because the fans wouldn't leave her alone and continued following her through the terminal. Her defense highlighted the common practice of autograph seekers selling celebrity signatures online, which often involves using blank paper for easier manipulation.
Career Updates and Future Projects
Amidst the controversy, Priyanka Chopra continues to maintain a busy professional schedule. The actor is making a significant comeback to Indian cinema after several years with SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated Telugu film Varanasi. The project features an impressive cast including Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles and is scheduled for theatrical release during Sankranthi 2027.
Additionally, Chopra has multiple international projects in the pipeline. She will be seen in the upcoming film The Bluff and is currently working on the second season of the popular web series Citadel. These projects demonstrate her continued global presence in the entertainment industry despite the recent social media controversy.
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny celebrities face in the digital age, where every public interaction can be recorded, analyzed, and potentially misinterpreted by social media users. While allegations of staged fan moments continue to circulate online, the support from fellow industry professionals like Bella Thorne provides an alternative perspective on the challenges celebrities face during public appearances.