Former Bigg Boss contestant Payal Rohatgi is being criticised for mocking actress-model Shefali Jariwala's death. Shefali passed away on June 27 and anti-ageing medicines, skin glow tablets and vitamin supplements were found in her apartment during investigation. This sparked a debate on social media about her cause of death.
Amid this, Payal, while interacting with a journalist on WhatsApp, seemingly took a dig at Shefali's death.
Payal Rohatgi lashes out at journalist
It all started after a journalist texted Payal, asking her about her divorce rumours with husband Sangram Singh. However, the journalist's message did not go down well with Payal, who lashed out at her and even made fun of mental health issues.
"Hey Payal, good morning! I hope you're doing well. There have been some reports going around suggesting that things might not be okay between you and Sangram, and that you both might be heading for a divorce. Is there any truth to these rumours? Just wanted to check with you," the journalist texted Payal.
To this, Payal stated that the journalist is 'depressed' and also accused her of doing drugs.
Did Payal mock Shefali's death?
"Sorry to know Vijaya that u are suffering from depression. Kindly don't do drugs in the day...Overdose might kill," Payal replied.
When the journalist politely replied, "I'm not writing...I read on other websites hence reached out to you," the former Bigg Boss contestant wrote, "And then it will be called that anti aging medication did that to u by your own paper (sic)."
While Payal did not name Shefali in any of her messages, netizens are convinced that it was a dig at Shefali's death. In fact, Payal herself shared a screenshot of the chat on her Instagram story on Wednesday (July 9).
Reacting to messages of another journalist, Payal wrote, "Hope you are not into depression and drinking." When the journalist confronted her and said she shouldn't be making fun of mental health issues, the actress replied, "When you all made fun of my mental health did I react like this? As a journalist don't f**k around with me again. Go file your story."
Payal blocked the journalist for a couple of minutes and after unblocking them, she texted, "U all have been following me since 3 years waiting for me to crumble. U think I am born yesterday? Karma comes for all. How ever sweet u portray like fraud. Now I hope you will kindly get lost (sic)."
Take a look at her messages here:
Netizens slam Payal
Soon after Payal shared the screenshot, it went viral on Reddit and netizens slammed her for her insensitive messages to the journalist.
Defending the journalist, a user wrote, "Ummm? That's literally the job of a journalist. She is an entertainment journalist. Also, just FYI, she asked. She didn't report. She is getting the facts correct. I don't think that should be an issue."
Slamming Payal, another person wrote, "This is absolutely disgusting. If you can't handle questions, then stop putting your life out for public consumption. And the worst part? She's clearly making a vile insinuation about how Shefali Jariwala died. That’s not just despicable, it’s cruel, and shameful."
"'Kindly don't do drugs in the day', so she is suggesting to do drugs at night??" asked another Reddit user.
"She was always like this. Not just belittling depression and calling it drug overdose, please read the last line also. Seems like she is referring to Shefali's case. She is absolutely insensitive," criticised another user.
Here's how others reacted:
Payal has not reacted to the criticism yet.
Paya land Sangram's divorce rumours
Since the last few months, Payal and Sangram have been posting cryptic notes for each other on Instagram, and sometimes, even publically fighting with each other. Reports soon surfaced that their marriage had hit a rough patch and that they were headed for divorce.
However, recently, Sangram ended his silence on the reports of divorce with Payal and said that they were inseparable.
