Gaming influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, broke down in tears while recalling the deepfake controversy that shattered her last year. During a conversation with Ravi Kishan, Nikhil Chinapa and fellow contestants on the reality show Alliance, Payal opened up about the incident and the online backlash that followed. She expressed how the incident changed her perspective towards social media and public attention.
How did Payal Gaming react to the deepfake controversy?
Talking about the deepfake controversy, Payal said, “People are so sensitive now. Koi ek word bhi aapke against ja sakta hai. Mujhe bolne mein bhi sharam aa rahi hai ki log itna hadd tak gir sakte hain when they see a person growing. They mocked my image; they made a deepfake video of me. I mean…”
She grew emotional while discussing the controversy and eventually broke down in tears. Nikhil consoled her and said, “It is tough being a girl because you get ridiculous attention, which is unnecessary. Your work is on the internet, so you have to develop a thicker skin. You cannot fight back with idiots.”
How did the controversy start?
The controversy happened in December 2025 after an intimate video caught attention on social media. Many social media users falsely claimed that the woman seen in the video was Payal Gaming. However, the Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Cyber Department, later conducted a forensic examination and found that clip was morphed using artificial intelligence. As per the official certificate dated December 19, 2025, the video was made using AI-based deepfake technology.
A fan shared Payal’s clip from the show and called for strict laws against deepfakes. He wrote, “No one deserves to have their identity, dignity, or mental peace stolen in the name of technology. AI is a powerful tool, but in the wrong hands, it can destroy lives. It’s time for stricter laws against deepfakes and stronger protection for victims. Behind every viral clip is a real human being with real emotions.” Another tweeted, “It takes courage to speak about such painful experiences. No one should have their dignity stolen because of someone else’s misuse of technology.”
Who is Payal Gaming?
Payal Dhare is one of India’s most popular female gaming creators. Popularly known as Payal Gaming, she is a content creator and streamer with S8UL Esports. She is also widely known for streaming Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). Over the years, she has carved a special place for herself in the Indian gaming community and built a massive fan following by expanding her reach.