I shouldn't have laughed: Pranit More apologises over 'peak Gurgaon content' clip

Comedian Pranit More has responded to the backlash over his 'Peak Gurgaon content' clip, which showed him laughing at an audience member's remarks about "recovering" the cost of a date. The video drew widespread criticism online, with the audience member, Himanshu Jangra, later issuing an apology. More has also admitted he should have called out the remarks during the show.

In the controversial clip, More was seen laughing at Jangra's account of a date, which sparked criticism from viewers online. The latter recalled going out with a woman to a market. He said she asked what he would feed her, and the two then ate chicken biryani that cost around Rs 360-370. He then recalled that when she later asked him to drop her home, he thought to himself that he had spent Rs 370 and would "recover" it.

In another shocking remark, implying sexual access, Jangra said, "To maine socha ki room pe le jau par thoda awkward lagega ki pehlee din hi maang ri (So I thought about taking her to my room, but it would feel a bit awkward since she might think I'm asking for it on the very first day)." Pranit laughed at the statement and responded, "Peak Gurgaon content."

Pranit More on controversial Peak Gurgaon content clip

After the online backlash, More shared a statement on his Instagram story, which read, "I’ve seen the criticism regarding a recent crowdwork clip. The comments made by the audience member do not reflect my views. Looking back, I should have challenged the remark instead of laughing and moving on. That was a lapse in judgement on my part."

He assured to take the feedback seriously and be thoughtful of such situations in future. The comedian also revealed that he has removed the video from all platforms, adding, "I don’t want to amplify or normalise those views (sic)."

"I appreciate everyone who raised their concerns respectfully. I sincerely apologise for whatever happened, and I’ll take this lesson forward. I’m human, and like anyone else, I’m constantly learning (sic)," he concluded. More also assured to be mindful of "never unintentionally" supporting or normalising such content in future.

Audience member seeks apology

Jangra also shared a long statement on his Instagram handle. While apologising for his remarks, he wrote, "I want to make it clear that I never had any intention to target, insult, defame, or disrespect any gender or group of people. My only intention was to entertain and make people laugh. Unfortunately, in trying to do that, I ended up saying things that were insensitive and inappropriate (sic)."

While expressing regret for his comments, he concluded, "To everyone who was hurt or offended by my words, I am truly sorry. I will learn from this experience and be far more mindful of my words and content going forward (sic)."

After the controversy led to social media backlash, actor Uorfi Javed also shared the clip on her Instagram Stories and called it "disgusting."