MTV Hustle Faces Backlash as #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE Takes Over
MTV Hustle faces backlash after YouTuber Rohan Cariappa’s takedown claims spark #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE trend. Fans demand accountability amid calls for creative freedom.
Deepanjali
MTV Hustle, the much-loved hip-hop reality show, has found itself at the center of a major controversy, with the hashtag #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE trending online. The uproar began when Rohan Cariappa, a Bengaluru-based hip-hop content creator and YouTuber, accused MTV of issuing takedown requests against his YouTube videos.
The conflict arose after Rohan critiqued judge Ikka for wearing a Harley-Davidson jacket on a show sponsored by Royal Enfield. In one of his videos, Rohan called out this apparent brand mismatch, sparking significant attention online. Shortly after, he claimed MTV retaliated by removing several of his videos from YouTube.
On 30 November, Rohan posted a defiant video on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Royal Enfield and using the phrase “Sorry! Main toh na sehta”, which resonated with fans as a stand against suppression. The incident prompted widespread criticism of MTV Hustle, with viewers accusing the channel of silencing independent creators and stifling dissent. Supporters rallied behind Rohan, calling for accountability and transparency from the channel.
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As the controversy grew, MTV issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to the hip-hop community and its openness to constructive feedback. However, many users noted the absence of an apology to Rohan, which only intensified the backlash. Adding fuel to the fire, one of the show’s sponsors, BoAt, weighed in with a statement emphasizing its support for creative freedom. In the now-deleted post, BoAt stated, “We believe freedom to comment, critique, or create content should never be restricted. We hope this matter is resolved amicably.”
Meanwhile, Rohan took to Instagram to update his followers, revealing that his YouTube channel had been reinstated. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and announced plans to release a detailed video about the entire incident.
The controversy has sparked a larger conversation about creative censorship and the treatment of independent creators in the entertainment industry. Fans and artists alike are now looking to MTV Hustle for a more definitive resolution. As the debate continues, the show faces mounting pressure to address these concerns meaningfully and ensure its commitment to the hip-hop culture it claims to celebrate.
