This is sick: Influencer Ankush Bahuguna gets heckled in London over pink outfit

“It’s 2026 for f***’s sake.”

That was content creator Ankush Bahuguna’s stunned reaction after he said he was repeatedly subjected to homophobic remarks while walking through London during a recent visit.

Bahuguna, who was in the city to attend an event organised by Huda Beauty, posted a video documenting how groups of men allegedly mocked and intimidated him on the streets because of his appearance and clothing. Dressed in an all-pink outfit, the influencer said he was repeatedly subjected to comments and ridicule while simply walking around the city.

In the clip, a group of men can allegedly be heard yelling, “Welcome to the parade,” as Bahuguna walked past them.

Clearly disturbed by the incident, he addressed the camera soon after and said, “What just happened? Openly homophobic remarks in the middle of the street. It’s 2026 for f***’s sake and this is what happens on the street if you just wear pink. This is sick.”

Bahuguna said the experience left him feeling unsafe and shaken, especially because the harassment was not limited to one isolated interaction.

“You think this is London and it would be more progressive, more open-minded, more modern. Clearly not,” he said. “There’s so much I could have said in that moment but obviously I got intimidated because there were so many of them hooting and yelling at me.”

He further revealed that similar comments had continued throughout the day whenever he crossed groups of men. “That’s not the only time this happened. It’s been happening all through this morning,” he said, adding that the video only captured one of several incidents.

Drawing a contrast between the reactions he received from men and women, Bahuguna said, “The girls are like, ‘Oh my God, love your face, you look so good.’ So, it’s clearly like a men problem.”

He also pointed out that even children had passed comments at him. “Obviously I’m in a new country. I am concerned about my safety,” he admitted.

See the video here:

Bahuguna, known for challenging gender stereotypes through beauty content and fashion, ended the video with a direct message to men. “If a guy just minding his own business, wearing what he wants to wear, doing what he wants, which doesn’t cause you any harm, is making you feel uncomfortable, it’s not his masculinity that speaks.”

The video quickly went viral, prompting widespread support from celebrities, influencers and social media users, many of whom condemned the homophobia Bahuguna faced. Several users also expressed shock that such behaviour occurred openly in a city often perceived as progressive and inclusive.