Celebratory Video Sparks Controversy
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh recently issued an apology after a celebratory Instagram video featuring himself and fellow retired cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Singh Mann sparked backlash for allegedly mocking individuals with disabilities. The incident unfolded after Singh, part of the India Champions team that won the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, posted a video showing the players limping while dancing to the Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba.” Singh captioned the video, “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore.”
Criticism from Disability Rights Groups
The intent was to humorously illustrate the physical toll of the tournament. However, para-badminton star Manasi Joshi and disability rights groups criticized the video, arguing it perpetuated negative stereotypes and could lead to bullying of disabled individuals. Joshi expressed her disappointment on Instagram, calling for more responsibility from celebrities and emphasizing that mocking the gait patterns of people with disabilities is not funny.
Harbhajan Singh’s Apology
In response to the outcry, Harbhajan Singh issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of ‘Tauba Tauba’ on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community. And this video was just to reflect on our bodies after playing continuous cricket for 15 days. Sore bodies.. we are not trying to insult or offend anyone.. still if people think we have done something wrong ..All I can say from my side. SORRY to everyone .. please let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards.
Continued Criticism from Public Figures
Singh apologized, but criticism of the video persisted. Slamming the video as “pathetic and unacceptable,” Indian para-swimmer Shams Aalam urged the cricketers to think about how their acts affect the crippled community. “Harbhajan, Yuvraj, and other esteemed team members,” Aalam said. We acknowledge that physical pain might result from exercises or events, but the way you guys are expressing it on social media is offensive and makes light of the disabled community.
Paralympic Committee of India’s Response
The Paralympic Committee of India also weighed in, calling the actions of the cricketers “disgusting and insensitive.” They stressed that as star celebrity cricket players, they have a responsibility to set a positive example and that mocking disabilities is a form of discrimination. They urged the players to apologize for their actions. The backlash highlights the ongoing issue of sensitivity and responsibility in social media posts, especially by high-profile individuals. While the video was intended as a lighthearted reflection on the rigors of the tournament, its reception underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards all communities
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