Mumbai: Reality show ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, which has been a hot topic since its premiere, has landed in yet another controversy. Shiv Sena MLA Manisha Kayande has lodged a formal complaint with the Mumbai police, seeking legal action for purportedly broadcasting vulgar content.
Kayande, who is also the Secretary and Spokesperson for Shiv Sena, met with Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar on Monday. During their meeting, she submitted a written complaint highlighting her concerns regarding an episode of ‘Bigg Boss OTT Season 3’ that aired on July 18.
Describing the episode, Kayande pointed out that it featured contestants indulging in inappropriate and obscene behavior. According to a press release, she remarked that this kind of content severely undermines social values and crosses the boundaries of acceptable family-oriented entertainment.
JioCinema, the platform responsible for streaming ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, responded to the allegations. In an official statement, the company strongly refuted the claims, asserting that the contentious video clip circulating online is not authentic. The statement emphasized that JioCinema strictly follows rigorous programming standards to ensure all content is appropriate and of high quality.
“JioCinema adheres to strict programming standards and guidelines to ensure the quality and appropriateness of any content that streams on our platform,” read the statement. “The clip in question, which is being circulated online, is doctored to include obscenity and is fake. We are committed to protecting the integrity of JioCinema and the trust our viewers place in us. The creation and circulation of this fake clip is a matter of very serious concern.”
JioCinema further clarified that steps are being taken to trace the origins of the misleading video and assured that appropriate measures would be initiated against the culprits.
“Our teams are working towards identifying the origins of this clip and will initiate action against those responsible for creating and distributing such defamatory content against Bigg Boss OTT and JioCinema,” the statement added.
Kayande is calling for immediate and stringent actions against the producers of the show and the CEO of the broadcasting company. She has urged the Mumbai Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter thoroughly, especially to determine if the controversial episode has gained traction on social media platforms, and to take suitable legal measures against those accountable.
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“The shooting for Bigg Boss 3 is ongoing,” Kayande told ANI. “What is being depicted is sheer vulgarity. A YouTube influencer participating in the show has crossed all acceptable limits. We have requested the Mumbai Police to take swift action and have submitted a formal letter.”
Launched on June 21, ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ has been a subject of frequent controversies. The showdown between Shiv Sena and the show’s producers underscores the broader cultural debates on what constitutes acceptable content in mainstream entertainment.
This brings us to the crux of the matter: the ethical responsibilities of broadcast and streaming platforms. As shows like ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, platforms like JioCinema are under increasing pressure to maintain a balance between engaging content and moral appropriateness. While the platform claims the disputed clip is fabricated, such incidents inevitably place every stakeholder in a position of heightened scrutiny.
In her statement, Kayande elaborated on her objections, pointing out specific scenes she believed were inappropriate for viewers, particularly families. Highlighting the pervasive influence of digital content, she urged for stronger regulatory oversight to prevent further transgressions.
Meanwhile, JioCinema’s position remains firm. The company reiterated its unwavering commitment to content integrity and pledged to take the necessary legal steps to maintain viewer trust.
“Our teams are working towards identifying the origins of this clip and will initiate action against those responsible for creating and distributing such defamatory content against Bigg Boss OTT and JioCinema,” reiterated the company’s statement, underscoring the gravity with which they are treating this matter.
As Mumbai Police delve into this complaint, all eyes will be on how the investigation unfolds and whether it yields the stringent actions that Kayande and her team have called for. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balancing act between creative freedom and societal norms, marking yet another episode in the ongoing narrative of television and digital media regulation in India.
