Following weeks of silence, Apoorva Mukhija — popularly known online as The Rebel Kid — has emerged from the shadows. In an emotional video uploaded on April 9, the 23-year-old influencer finally broke her silence on the firestorm that erupted over her appearance on India’s Got Latent (IGL). The controversy, which began in February, had sparked public outrage, death threats, and a media circus that forced Mukhija to go into hiding.
The Viral Moment that Sparked it All
During a judging stint on IGL alongside Ranveer Allahbadia aka Beer Biceps, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchalani, Apoorva clapped back at a contestant’s off-colour comment. While her biting comeback was heralded by some as fearless, others found it “too aggressive.” The backlash came fast and furious — but the offending male contestant whose comment set it all in motion? Hardly spoken of.
Her Comeback: Raw, Honest, and Unfiltered
In her YouTube video, Apoorva addressed her audience directly. “It wasn’t a punchline,” she said. “It came from anger.” She explained that her intention was never to offend — perhaps bruise one delicate ego. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that her words may have hurt others and vowed to do better. It wasn’t a performance. It was an apology, a boundary, and a statement all at once.
Read More: Beerbiceps in Trouble: Is Freedom of Speech Going too Far?
Abuse, Legal Issues, and Family Intolerance
Extreme action followed her remarks. Apoorva disclosed that she was receiving rape and acid attack threats. Brand opportunities disappeared. Paparazzi escorted her to police stations. Relatives slut-shamed her. Her mother’s social media wasn’t immune either. A single FIR traumatised her family — but worse for her was watching her parents suffer.
In the darkest of times, one message from her father kept her centred: “Kuch bhi ho jaye, main tere saath hoon.”
A New Chapter?
Apoorva’s video has elicited a mixed reaction. Some still nitpick her words. Others have lauded her courage and candor. But one thing is certain: she’s taking back her voice, and not on anyone else’s terms.
In a time when silence is enforced and outrage is immediate, Mukhija’s message is a reminder — influencers are public figures, but they’re human beings. And sometimes, defending yourself comes at a price.
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