NEW DELHI: Samay Raina’s reality show, India’s Got Latent, has landed in legal trouble after a controversial remark made by contestant Jessy Nabam triggered outrage. An FIR has been filed against Nabam, alleging that her comments were derogatory towards the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Armaan Ram Welly Bakha, a resident of Seppa, East Kameng District, filed the complaint on January 31, 2025. He filed the FIR at Itanagar Police Station, demanding action against Nabam for her comments on the show.
During an episode, Raina asked Nabam if she had ever eaten dog meat. She responded that while she hadn’t, it was common among people from Arunachal Pradesh. She went further, stating that some even consumed their pets.
The statement sparked immediate backlash, with many calling it offensive and misleading. Critics accused Nabam of reinforcing negative stereotypes about the region. Social media erupted with anger and calls for action against the show gained momentum.
In his complaint, Bakha stressed the need for accountability and urged authorities to act swiftly: “I humbly request you to take quick action so that no one does this again in the future.” He argued that such comments harm the reputation of an entire community.
Samay Raina, a well-known stand-up comedian and chess streamer, launched India’s Got Latent as a digital-first talent show. The show gained popularity for its raw and unfiltered content, featuring emerging artists from across India. Raina, who has a massive following on YouTube and Twitch, has positioned the show as a platform for underrated talents.
Despite its rising fame, India’s Got Latent has now been overshadowed by controversy. The show was initially celebrated for its humorous and unconventional approach, but the latest episode has raised concerns over cultural sensitivity. Critics argue that the show’s informal format has led to offensive and irresponsible statements.
Neither Samay Raina nor Jessy Nabam has responded to the controversy yet. With legal proceedings now in motion, the future of India’s Got Latent remains uncertain. Fans and critics alike are awaiting a statement from Raina, who now finds himself in the middle of an unexpected storm.
