Netizens question Poonam Pandey’s fake death news, say better ways to raise cancer awareness

Hyderabad: Actress Poonam Pandey recently found herself amid controversy after claiming to have succumbed to cervical cancer, only to later reveal it as a publicity stunt aimed at spreading awareness. The entire episode has sparked outrage on social media, with netizens expressing their discontent over the unconventional method chosen by the actress.

On February 2, Poonam Pandey’s Instagram account, in a statement from her team, declared her demise due to cervical cancer. This surprising revelation, given recent videos of the actress partying, raised eyebrows. However, on February 3, Poonam released a video on Instagram, announcing her continued existence and using the opportunity to advocate for cervical cancer awareness.

‘Exploiting disease for publicity is cheap’

The public’s reaction to Poonam’s stunt has been largely negative, especially on social media platforms like X and Instagram. Users flooded the platforms with memes and criticisms, questioning the appropriateness of leveraging a serious health issue for publicity.

Comments on social media reflected the disappointment and frustration of netizens. One user expressed, “Exploiting a serious issue like cervical cancer for cheap publicity is absolutely disgraceful.” Another comment highlighted the potential damage to Poonam Pandey’s credibility, stating, “Next time people won’t take you seriously, you just destroyed your entire credibility.”

🚨Yes yes! Poonam Pandey is alive

But using a serious issue like cervical cancer for cheap PR is absolutely disgraceful.

PS: please learn about cervical cancer and screen yourself 🙏#PoonamPandey #PoonamPandeyDeath pic.twitter.com/rTA0gAV1f0

— RanaJi🏹 (@RanaTells) February 3, 2024

Many users criticised the actress for choosing such an unconventional method to create awareness. “Using a serious issue like cervical cancer for cheap PR is absolutely disgraceful,” one X user commented. Another tweet echoed similar sentiments, “Poonam Pandey is the biggest fraud; she is alive. This is beyond shameless.”

As the news of her death went viral, scepticism grew among people which ended with a sense of disappointment. “As expected! All of this was a publicity stunt! All the people who were questioning her were right!” a user on X stated.

Poonam Pandey’s attempt to clarify and raise awareness in a subsequent video did not appease the dissatisfied audience. A user on X remarked, “Like dude death is a joke? You could have created awareness in multiple ways.” Another user expressed disbelief, stating, “How desperate is that to gain attention.”

Jinda hai poonam pandey
As Expected ! All Of This Was A Publicity Stunt !

All The People Who Were Questioning Her Were Right !#PoonamPandey #PoonamPandeyDeath pic.twitter.com/MOcLQSMTBb

— Yati Sharma🇮🇳 (@yati_Official1) February 3, 2024

Poonam Pandey apologises

In her videos, Poonam Pandey emphasised the preventability of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and early detection tests. Despite her intentions to bring attention to the disease, the negative reactions dominated the online discourse.

The actress later posted an apology video on Instagram, acknowledging the impact of her stunt. She stated, “I’m sorry I’ve caused this tear and I’m sorry to those whom I’ve hurt.” Poonam reiterated her motive to shed light on cervical cancer but admitted to the extreme nature of her approach.

While Poonam Pandey may have succeeded in drawing attention to cervical cancer, the unconventional and controversial nature of her stunt has left a bitter taste among netizens, questioning the ethics of using a fabricated death for publicity. The incident highlights the fine line between advocacy and sensationalism in the realm of celebrity-driven social awareness campaigns.