Amid growing criticism, Madhur Virli has issued a public apology through his social media platform X. In his statement, Virli acknowledged the circulation of the video and clarified that the performance in question took place approximately two years ago. He stated that he had realised shortly after the performance that the content was inappropriate and had removed it at that time, well before it began recirculating online in recent days.
Virli further elaborated on his understanding of comedic responsibility, stating that while comedy can challenge ideas and engage with difficult subjects, certain topics demand sensitivity, context, and informed discretion. He added that when a performance fails to meet these standards, it is necessary to acknowledge the mistake, issue an apology, and make corrective efforts. He concluded his statement by expressing sincere regret for the content.
The comedian also addressed speculation regarding his social media presence, clarifying that his absence from Instagram was unrelated to the viral backlash. He stated that he had already been away from the platform for the past six months.
In the controversial clip that resurfaced online, Virli is heard making remarks suggesting a hypothetical scenario involving rape cases and escalating violence, which triggered widespread criticism for trivialising sexual violence. The content has since been widely condemned across social media platforms.
Separately, public figure Uorfi Javed strongly criticised Madhur Virli over the remarks, questioning the normalisation of such content under the guise of comedy. She expressed sharp disapproval and called for greater accountability among male comedians, urging them to include women in their creative teams to ensure greater sensitivity and responsibility in comedic writing.
The controversy continues to fuel a broader debate on the limits of comedy, the responsibility of performers, and the impact of resurfaced content in the digital age.
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