Mathilde Lacombe

Popular Indian gaming influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, recently found herself at the center of online controversy after a video circulating on social media platforms was falsely linked to her. The clip, which went viral on X (formerly Twitter), triggered widespread speculation, with several users claiming that the woman seen in the video was Payal Dhare.

On Wednesday, Payal issued a clear and detailed public statement, firmly denying any association with the video. She clarified that she is not the person featured in the clip and that the content has no connection to her life, identity, or personal choices. Payal also expressed distress over the misinformation being spread and urged people to avoid drawing conclusions without verified facts.

No Official Confirmation, Speculation on Social Media

Despite the claims circulating online, there has been no official confirmation linking Payal Dhare to the video. Many social media users shared her name without evidence, fueling rumors and misinformation. The incident highlights the growing issue of online speculation and the rapid spread of unverified content, especially involving public figures.

Fans Defend Payal, Raise Deepfake Concerns

As the controversy gained traction, Payal Gaming’s fans and fellow creators stepped in to defend her. Several users pointed out that the video appeared to be AI-generated or manipulated, suggesting it could be a deepfake created for attention and views. Supporters urged others to respect Payal’s privacy and avoid amplifying baseless allegations.

Many fans also called for stricter action against those spreading misinformation and emphasized the importance of digital responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence.

Who Is Payal Gaming?

Payal Dhare is one of India’s most well-known female gaming creators. She began her YouTube journey in 2019, sharing gameplay videos and live streams of popular titles such as BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), PUBG, and GTA V. Her engaging personality, interactive streams, and consistent content helped her build a strong and loyal community.

By August 2021, Payal crossed 1 million subscribers, and she later made history by becoming the first Indian female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers on YouTube. Today, she is considered a household name in India’s gaming ecosystem.

The Viral Clip and Online Speculation

Payal Gaming has recently been pulled into online speculation after a private video began circulating on social media, with claims suggesting that she was the woman seen in the clip. As screenshots and short clips allegedly linked to the video spread online, many users started mentioning Payal Gaming’s name without any verified evidence.

However, a large section of her fanbase quickly stepped in, urging people to stop sharing unverified content and to act responsibly online. Several users highlighted how easily videos can be manipulated using artificial intelligence. One user wrote, “People need to understand how easy it is to create deepfake videos now. Dragging Payal Gaming’s name into this without proof is wrong.”

Another user strongly criticized those circulating the clip, saying, “I’m not even a fan, but this doesn’t look real. Using AI videos to damage someone’s image for views is disgusting.” Many social media users believe the clip may be AI-generated or digitally altered, though no confirmation has been provided.

At the time the video began circulating, Payal Gaming had not publicly reacted or issued a statement, which further fueled speculation.

Payal Dhare Issues Clarification

Amid growing controversy, Payal Dhare later addressed the situation through her Instagram, issuing a clear clarification. She stated that content circulating online over the past few days has falsely associated her name and image with a video currently being shared on digital platforms.

In her statement, Payal urged the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about the material in any form. She spoke about the emotional impact of misinformation, saying that what hurt the most was not just the false association, but how easily a person’s dignity can be damaged in the digital space.

Payal emphasized that such actions have consequences beyond social media, affecting real people, families, and lives, and called for greater responsibility while consuming and sharing online content.

Why the Video Has Sparked Concern

Before this incident, multiple clips labelled as a “19-minute viral video” or “40-minute video” had already been circulating online, raising serious concerns about the misuse of digital platforms. The authenticity of these videos remains unclear, and authorities have strictly warned users not to share such content on social media.

Fans pointed out that this is not the first time a content creator has been falsely linked to a viral clip. Just days earlier, social media was abuzz with claims that a so-called “19-minute viral video” featured creator Sweet Zannat, which she later denied, clarifying that the video had no connection to her.

Supporters believe Payal Gaming may be facing a similar situation, where AI tools, deepfakes, and viral rumors are being used to wrongly associate creators with explicit or misleading content. With no verified confirmation supporting the claims, fans continue to urge users to pause, verify information, and stop spreading harmful rumors that could damage someone’s reputation.

Association With S8UL Esports and International Recognition

Payal Gaming is also associated with S8UL Esports, one of India’s leading gaming and content organizations. Through S8UL, she collaborates with top creators and participates in major gaming events and brand campaigns.

In 2024, Payal achieved another major milestone by winning an international honor at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards), making her one of the first Indian female gamers to receive global recognition in the mobile gaming category.

A Reminder About Online Responsibility

The recent incident serves as a reminder of the serious impact of misinformation, deepfakes, and online rumors, especially on public figures. Payal Dhare’s response and the support she received underline the importance of verifying facts before sharing content online.

As of now, Payal Gaming continues to focus on her content and community, while strongly distancing herself from the viral video and the false narratives surrounding it.