In a recent development, Schbang, the agency representing Poonam Pandey, has issued a public apology for orchestrating a controversial death stunt involving the actor. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, has now prompted calls for a criminal investigation.
The agency took to Instagram to express regret, clarifying that the intention behind the fake death stunt was to raise awareness about cervical cancer. They acknowledged their involvement in the initiative aimed at spreading awareness in collaboration with Hauterfly.
Expressing remorse, the statement from Schbang extended apologies, particularly to those who may have been distressed by the stunt, having experienced the hardships of cancer themselves or through loved ones. The agency emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding cervical cancer in India and the critical need for awareness.
Schbang defended Poonam Pandey’s involvement in the stunt by revealing her personal connection to the cause, citing her mother’s battle with cancer. They highlighted Poonam’s firsthand experience of witnessing the challenges of the disease, underscoring her commitment to prevention and awareness.
For context, Poonam Pandey’s team had announced her supposed demise on Instagram, attributing it to cervical cancer. However, Poonam later clarified on her Instagram handle that she was indeed alive, urging for collective efforts to combat the disease.
Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded legal action against Poonam Pandey, alleging her actions were driven by a quest for cheap publicity. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, the founder of AICWA, criticized the stunt as insensitive and called for an FIR to be filed against Poonam Pandey and her manager.
The incident has stirred a debate on the appropriate methods for raising awareness about critical issues like cervical cancer, with suggestions for alternative approaches such as governmental involvement, NGO collaborations, or media conferences. As the controversy unfolds, the demand for accountability and ethical conduct in public awareness campaigns remains at the forefront.