Hotstar Cancels AIB Show After Allegations Against Tanmay, Khamba

AIB released a statement after both were accused of sexual harassment.

(Photo: Instagram/gursimrankhamba)

Soon after allegations of sexual harassment against Tanmay Bhat and Gursimran Khamba, co-founders of All India Bakchod were made public, online streaming platform Hotstar cancelled their production of season 3 of ‘On Air with AIB’ on Monday, 8 October.

“In light of recent events involving AIB, we are cancelling the production of On Air with AIB Season 3, with immediate effect. We are deeply concerned by these developments, which run contrary to our values as a responsible platform, and will not stand by anything that compromises the respect or safety of women.”

Hotstar, Official Statement

Rohan Joshi, also a member of the comedy collective, put out a statement on Instagram, thanking fans for ‘letting him live his boyhood dream’ through the Hotstar show.

Comedians Tanmay Bhat and Gursimran Khamba, who co-founded All India Bakchod (AIB), have temporarily stepped away from the comedy collective amid allegations of sexual harassment against them.

“We cannot overlook Tanmay's role and in light of this, he will be stepping away from his association with AIB till further notice. This implies that Tanmay will not be involved with the day to day functioning of AIB or in any other manner,” the statement said.

Khamba will be on “a temporary leave of absence,” the statement added.

Tanmay, Khamba Accused of Harassment

Tanmay Bhat was accused of sexual misconduct in a tweet on Monday, 8 October, which was later deleted.

Allegations against co-founder Khamba surfaced on Monday, 8 October, after an anonymous woman claimed that he forced himself on her and had to be physically shoved away.

The allegations against Khamba also include inebriated phone calls, emotional blackmail and abuse. Attached below is the allegation against Khamba.

Khamba has also responded against the allegations – and said that he would like to apologise for his anger and inappropriate behaviour, which he characterised as “uncalled for”.

Gursimran Khamba’s statement on allegations against him.

Soon after the allegations against Khamba and Bhat were posted online, several fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment with the collective, otherwise known for their progressive content.