A resurfaced video from 2017 has ignited controversy, with Priyanka Chopra facing accusations of hiring fake fans to boost her public image. The footage, captured at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), shows the 43-year-old actress being approached twice by the same pair of autograph seekers, leading to widespread speculation about a manufactured publicity stunt.
Video Evidence Sparks Backlash
In the clip, Chopra initially pauses to sign autographs for a male and female fan before navigating through the crowded terminal. Moments later, as she exits, the identical duo approaches her again, with Chopra appearing to sign the exact same items a second time. This repetition has drawn sharp criticism from viewers, who question the authenticity of the encounter.
Social Media Reactions
One fan who reshared the video labeled it a "peak PR stunt," commenting, "Imagine needing the same two people to pretend to be fans just to get media footage and make it look like Priyanka Chopra has a huge fan following in Hollywood." Another added, "Honestly, it just shows how desperate she is for publicity."
Further comments highlighted the awkwardness of the situation, with one user noting, "Omg. That is so embarrassing. They must have been paid well. Them trying to overtake PC is hilarious." Others pointed out the unusual nature of the interaction, questioning why fans would carry notebooks and pens ready for signing in an era dominated by selfies.
Defences and Doubts
Despite the backlash, some supporters came to Chopra's defence. One fan suggested, "Maybe they had a lot of stuff for her to sign," while others argued that the incident might be innocuous. However, sceptics remained unconvinced, with one person remarking, "I doubt I would recognise her if I saw her in the airport," implying that the staged nature of the event was evident.
Timing Amid Oscar Appearance
The resurfaced clip emerged just two days after Chopra attended the 2024 Oscars, where she presented the award for Best International Feature Film alongside Javier Bardem. Bardem made headlines by declaring "No to war and Free Palestine" during the presentation, while Chopra remained silent. She attended the ceremony with her husband, Nick Jonas, 33, and later changed outfits for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Career Context
Chopra, a former Miss World 2000, rose to fame as a Bollywood star before attempting a music career in the early 2010s. Her songs, such as "In My City" featuring will.i.am and "Exotic" featuring Pitbull, achieved limited success globally, leading her to return to acting. In a recent interview with Marie Claire, she reflected on this period, stating, "I quickly realized that I wasn’t made for it and should go back to my day job of acting."
She has since expanded her career to Hollywood, marrying Jonas in 2018 and starring in projects like the action-thriller "The Bluff" on Amazon Prime Video. Upcoming films include "Varanasi," her first feature in India since 2021, directed by S.S. Rajamouli of "RRR" fame.
Representatives Silent
The Daily Mail has reached out to Chopra's representatives for comment on the fake fan allegations, but no response has been provided yet. The incident continues to fuel debates about celebrity publicity tactics and the authenticity of fan interactions in the digital age.
