Where is Samay Raina? Picture shows comedian playing chess in Seattle amid controversy

New Delhi: Social media has been abuzz with talks about Samay Raina ever since the controversial episode of India’s Got Latent, featuring distasteful comments by Ranveer Allahbadia, surfaced online. With criticism pouring in from all sides, netizens are now wondering about the whereabouts of the renowned comedian.

According to an ndtv.com report, Samay is currently touring North America with his stand-up show titled Unfiltered. It is being said that he performed at the Moore Theatre in Seattle on Sunday (February 9, 2025). Some images from the event were shared on Instagram Stories by India’s Got Latent producer and judge Balraj Ghai.

In one of the photos, Samay was seen performing for the audience. In another, he played chess with an individual, while the third one showcased him relaxing with friends.

Samay Raina should just probably stay back in Seattle, we promise to not file any FIRs pic.twitter.com/FDDnnogQBk

— Saumya Doshi (@__spd_) February 11, 2025

It is to be noted that Samay is yet to comment on the entire controversy that originated from his YouTube-based show. For the unversed, India’s Got Latent was extremely popular among the youth for its raw and unfiltered humour. The show featured contestants from various backgrounds, showcasing their talents to judges within a 90-second time frame. Contestants would emerge victorious if their guess matched the aggregate score given by the judges.

Ranveer Allahbadia controversy

The popular podcaster sparked outrage by asking an India’s Got Latent participant an inappropriate question involving the intimate life of parents. This led to a massive debate on freedom of speech and what constitutes decency.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday (February 11, 2025) expressed serious concern about the matter. The government body summoned Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Makhija, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashish Chanchlani, along with the show’s producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra, to appear before it on February 17, 2025, in New Delhi.

The controversial video has since been blocked by YouTube. Apparently, the action was taken following orders from the Government of India.