YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, recently found himself at the center of controversy after posting a message on Instagram addressing his "Pakistani brothers and sisters." In his now-deleted post, he expressed that he harbored no hatred toward Pakistanis and apologized if they felt that Indians were spreading hate. While his message appeared to advocate for peace, it was met with severe backlash from Indian netizens, who accused him of being insensitive, especially given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Allahabadia’s post highlighted his belief that the Pakistani people were different from their military and intelligence agencies (ISI), whom he blamed for economic struggles and terrorist activities. He listed several instances linking Pakistan to terrorism, including the presence of Pakistani-origin terrorists and statements made by Pakistani officials acknowledging state-sponsored terrorism. However, his statement "Dil se sorry agar lag raha hai ki Indians nafrat phaila rahe hain" (I am sorry from my heart if Indians are spreading hate) particularly angered many, who saw it as an insult to the Indian Armed Forces.
Following the uproar, Allahabadia swiftly deleted the post, but screenshots continued circulating on social media, fueling further criticism. Many users called for a boycott of his content, accusing him of sympathizing with Pakistan at a time when India was actively countering terrorism. Some labeled his actions as hypocrisy, arguing that influencers should be more responsible with their statements, especially when addressing sensitive geopolitical issues.
This incident has reignited discussions about the role of influencers in shaping public opinion and the responsibility they hold when commenting on international conflicts. While some believe Allahabadia’s intentions were to promote peace, others argue that his words were ill-timed and tone-deaf, given the recent attacks. The controversy serves as a reminder that public figures must tread carefully when addressing politically charged topics, as their statements can have far-reaching consequences.