Prime Video India recently found itself in the midst of an online controversy after posting a tweet supporting Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt in an ongoing social media debate involving her fans and those of South Korean girl group BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Following severe backlash from BLACKPINK’s dedicated fanbase, the streaming platform deleted its post on X (formerly Twitter) to avoid further controversy.
The now-deleted post featured an image of Alia Bhatt from her 2024 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani along with the caption, “BLACKPINK fans, we bet you can hear this image (sobbing and side-eye emojis).” While the intent behind the post appeared lighthearted, it quickly ignited a heated response from BLACKPINK’s global fanbase, known as BLINKs, who perceived it as an attempt to take sides in an ongoing fan war.
The controversy between Alia Bhatt’s supporters and BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s fans reportedly stems from online discussions comparing the two celebrities in terms of style, influence, and impact. These comparisons, common in the world of social media, escalated into heated debates, with both fandoms passionately defending their respective idols.
When Prime Video India seemingly aligned with Alia Bhatt’s fans through its tweet, BLACKPINK supporters were quick to respond with criticism, calling out the streaming giant for involving itself in fan disputes. Many BLINKs flooded the comments with demands for the post’s removal, while others accused Prime Video of favoritism and unprofessionalism.
In light of the intense backlash, Prime Video India swiftly removed the tweet without issuing a formal statement. However, the deletion itself was widely noted and further discussed across social media platforms, with users speculating about the reasons behind the move. Some defended Prime Video, arguing that the post was meant to be humorous, while others criticized it for stirring unnecessary conflict between two highly passionate fan communities.
The incident sparked widespread conversations on X and other platforms, with users divided over whether Prime Video India’s post was inappropriate or simply misinterpreted. Many social media users pointed out the power of fandoms in shaping online discourse, with BLINKs demonstrating their influence by pressuring a major streaming platform to take down its post.
On the other hand, some fans of Alia Bhatt argued that the post was harmless and that the backlash was an overreaction. They expressed disappointment that Prime Video India chose to delete the tweet rather than standing by its content.
This episode highlights the complexities of brand engagement on social media, particularly in the entertainment industry, where fan communities hold significant influence. It serves as a reminder that companies must carefully navigate interactions that could inadvertently spark controversy. As global fandoms become increasingly vocal online, brands will likely exercise greater caution in their digital communication strategies to avoid alienating any particular audience segment.
While the controversy surrounding Prime Video India’s tweet may fade with time, it underscores the power of online communities in shaping brand narratives and the necessity for companies to tread carefully when engaging in pop culture conversations.
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Author: Ekta Bhurat