When Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra joined millions in applauding frontline workers during India’s Janta Curfew in 2020, she probably didn’t expect it to resurface years later in an online debate. But that’s exactly what happened when YouTuber Brett Cooper featured Chopra’s clip in a recent video, calling out celebrities for their “tone-deaf” pandemic responses.
YouTuber Criticises Priyanka’s Pandemic Post
Cooper, known for her commentary on pop culture, criticised Priyanka’s gesture, mocking the prolonged applause in her video. “It does not end! It goes on for like 30 seconds! Theatre kids, like okay, I can say that because I am a theatre kid. What did you think this would do? People watch this video and are like—I don’t need your applause! At all!”
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She argued that such posts were performative and detached from the struggles of the general public. The video also took aim at other celebrities, including Gal Gadot, Chrissy Teigen, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and David Geffen, accusing them of insincerity.
Taking it a step further, Cooper claimed that celebrities quickly shifted gears from pandemic activism to political movements like Black Lives Matter while living comfortably in their “gated communities.”
Reddit Backs Priyanka: ‘She Actually Helped’
The clip soon found its way to Reddit, where users were quick to defend Priyanka. Many highlighted how she actively shared COVID-19 resources and didn’t just post symbolic gestures.
One user wrote: “As far as I remember, Priyanka was among the few Indian celebrities who used to share information and post about resources during the COVID pandemic. The clapping and lighting candles weren’t just an India thing—it happened worldwide.”
Another pointed out that attacking Chopra for her wealth was unfair: “Yes, PC lives in a high-end area now, but that’s because she worked for it. Does being rich mean you can’t appreciate frontline workers? Should they just stay silent?”
A more scathing remark targeted Cooper’s association with The Daily Wire, the conservative media company: “Priyanka Chopra >>>> Brett Cooper. The Daily Wire has ruined a nation, and the repercussions will be felt by the entire world. What did Priyanka do? Relief work. So cringe, right? The audacity!”
What’s Next for Priyanka?
While online debates rage on, Priyanka Chopra remains focused on work. She will return for Citadel Season 2 and is reportedly in talks for SS Rajamouli’s next film, starring Mahesh Babu. Touted as an Indiana Jones-style action-adventure, the project has fans excited, though an official announcement is still pending.
As for the online drama? It looks like Priyanka has bigger things to applaud.