Comic Madhur Virli apologises for rape joke: Old clip, removed 2 years ago
Stand-up comedian Madhur Virli apologised after an old comedy clip about 'cuddling after rape' resurfaced online and sparked criticism. The comedian acknowledged his mistake and explained why he had previously removed the video.
Stand-up comedian Madhur Virli apologised after an old comedy clip about 'cuddling after rape' resurfaced online and sparked criticism. The clip recently began circulating widely on social media after Pranit More's Rs 370 biriyani row, prompting outrage and renewed scrutiny of the comedian's past material.
Addressing the backlash, Virli issued a statement on his YouTube channel, saying he recognised the joke was inappropriate and had removed it shortly after performing it, two years ago. He added that while comedy can explore difficult subjects, some topics demand greater care and sensitivity.
Why did Madhur Virli apologise?
In his statement, Virli explained that the video currently being shared online was recorded around two years ago. According to the comedian, he realised soon after the performance that the material was wrong and decided to take it down well before it resurfaced on social media.
“I do believe comedy can question ideas and engage with difficult subjects. But certain topics require sensitivity, context and informed discretion. When an attempt falls short, the only honest thing to do is acknowledge it, apologise and do better,” he wrote.
Madhur's statement:
Virli also apologised directly to those offended by the clip and clarified that his Instagram account was deactivated around six months ago, separate from the current controversy.
What was in the resurfaced clip?
The viral video showed Virli discussing rape cases during a stand-up routine. In the segment, he described a hypothetical scenario involving rape and murder, making comments about the mindset of a perpetrator. The clip drew sharp criticism online, with many users condemning the remarks and questioning the limits of comedy.
In the viral clip he said, "Mujhe lagta hai ki us ek maamle mein khoon tab hota hoga jab aaropi usse door hone ke baad peedita usse kehti hogi ki 'Arey ab tum mujhe gale nahi lagaoge kya? (I think that in those cases, murder probably happens when, after the accused moves away from her, the victim tells him, 'Oh, aren't you going to cuddle me now?').
One social media user who reposted the video described the routine as “disgusting” and called for action against the comedian.
How is the controversy linked to Pranit More?
The criticism against Virli emerged amid an ongoing debate surrounding comedian Pranit More’s show, where participant Himanshu Jangra's remarks about expecting 'more' from a woman after their Rs 370 biryani date triggered widespread backlash. More recently issued a second apology, admitting he should have intervened sooner and taken a stand against the comments by the participant made during the crowdwork performance.
Virli’s apology comes as discussions around accountability in comedy continue to dominate online conversations, with both comedians facing criticism over content from their respective shows.
Stand-up comedian Madhur Virli apologised after an old comedy clip about 'cuddling after rape' resurfaced online and sparked criticism. The clip recently began circulating widely on social media after Pranit More's Rs 370 biriyani row, prompting outrage and renewed scrutiny of the comedian's past material.
Addressing the backlash, Virli issued a statement on his YouTube channel, saying he recognised the joke was inappropriate and had removed it shortly after performing it, two years ago. He added that while comedy can explore difficult subjects, some topics demand greater care and sensitivity.
Why did Madhur Virli apologise?
In his statement, Virli explained that the video currently being shared online was recorded around two years ago. According to the comedian, he realised soon after the performance that the material was wrong and decided to take it down well before it resurfaced on social media.
“I do believe comedy can question ideas and engage with difficult subjects. But certain topics require sensitivity, context and informed discretion. When an attempt falls short, the only honest thing to do is acknowledge it, apologise and do better,” he wrote.
Madhur's statement:
Virli also apologised directly to those offended by the clip and clarified that his Instagram account was deactivated around six months ago, separate from the current controversy.
What was in the resurfaced clip?
The viral video showed Virli discussing rape cases during a stand-up routine. In the segment, he described a hypothetical scenario involving rape and murder, making comments about the mindset of a perpetrator. The clip drew sharp criticism online, with many users condemning the remarks and questioning the limits of comedy.
In the viral clip he said, "Mujhe lagta hai ki us ek maamle mein khoon tab hota hoga jab aaropi usse door hone ke baad peedita usse kehti hogi ki 'Arey ab tum mujhe gale nahi lagaoge kya? (I think that in those cases, murder probably happens when, after the accused moves away from her, the victim tells him, 'Oh, aren't you going to cuddle me now?').
One social media user who reposted the video described the routine as “disgusting” and called for action against the comedian.
How is the controversy linked to Pranit More?
The criticism against Virli emerged amid an ongoing debate surrounding comedian Pranit More’s show, where participant Himanshu Jangra's remarks about expecting 'more' from a woman after their Rs 370 biryani date triggered widespread backlash. More recently issued a second apology, admitting he should have intervened sooner and taken a stand against the comments by the participant made during the crowdwork performance.
Virli’s apology comes as discussions around accountability in comedy continue to dominate online conversations, with both comedians facing criticism over content from their respective shows.
