Social media star Apoorva Mukhija more commonly known by her online handle The Rebel Kid, has made her return to YouTube following a social media haitus stemming from her appearance on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent (IGL) . Her video titled “Till I say it is” is her first upload since the controversy surrounding her.
Earlier this year Mukhija appeared as a judge on IGL when fellow panelist Ranveer Allahbadia made remarks that were widely condemned as obscene and marked as detrimental to the Indian society. Although Mukhija did not make these comments, she faced severe backlash, was named in multiple FIRs, and received a flood of rape threats, acid attack threats, and hate messages on social media. Her response to these was radio silence and removal of all her instagram posts. However, this week she posted one single post on Instagram— a collage of multiple threats on her person from direct messages in the clock app.
Mukhija’s latest video, in a storytime format (a popular format wherein the influencer narrates experiences, either their own or otherwise) breaks her silence on the issue. She expressed regret for having caused any unintentional harm. She clarified that her own comments were misinterpreted and emphasized her intent to be more mindful in the future. She spoke candidly about the mental toll the backlash took on her, revealing that she had even consulted a tarot reader, convinced someone had performed “kaala jaadu” (black magic) on her.
Mukhija also disclosed that she had withdrawn from social media to protect her mental health. During this period, she unfollowed everyone on Instagram and went offline. Her return marks a moment of personal strength, with the influencer using her platform to speak on healing and online toxicity. She spoke about being slut shamed by the internet and close relatives, said she listened to the advice of her tarot reader and travelled the world to escape the controversy.
She included how during the entire mishap her family stood steadfastly by her side and extended support throughout despite getting backlash themselves. Makhija also revealed her mother was dealing with blood pressure problems induced by slut shaming under her personal instagram posts. She broke down in tears recalling the harassment her family had to face from internet trolls.
Demonstrating her resolve to turn the experience into a force for good, Mukhija announced that all proceeds from adsense of her new video would be donated to a non profit organisation that supports acid attack survivors and victims of sexual violence. “If even one girl can feel less alone after watching this, it’s worth it,” she said.
The video has received widespread support from from her followers and fellow creators. Influencer Rida Tharana, who had earlier condemned the gendered nature of the hate Mukhija faced, praised her friend’s courage, calling her “a fighter who didn’t just survive the fire, but came back with purpose.” Pakistani actress also came out in her support.
