This Article is From Nov 25, 2023

Teen Queer Artist Dies By Suicide After Hate Comments On Instagram Reel

Pranshu, a 16-year-old queer artist from Ujjain, was a self-taught makeup artist from Ujjain and ran an Instagram handle where they posted makeup and beauty content.

Advertisement
India News

On Diwali, The 16-year-old posted an Instagram transition reel in a saree.

A 16-year-old queer artist from Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain died by suicide following thousands of hate comments on an Instagram reel the artist posted, claimed an actor.

Pranshu, a 16-year-old queer artist from Ujjain, was a self-taught makeup artist from Ujjain and ran an Instagram handle where they posted makeup and beauty content. On Diwali, The 16-year-old posted an Instagram transition reel in a saree.

'Made In Heaven' web series actor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju claimed the artist's comment section was flooded with over 4,000 homophobic remarks which abetted them to die by suicide. The artist had over 16,500 followers on their Instagram handle, 'glamitupwithpranshu'.

Actor Trinetra said online platforms like Instagram, which is owned by Meta, have repeatedly failed to provide a safe space to people from the LGBTQ community and claimed that #JusticeForPranshu "has no posts because some violate community guidelines".

Several members from the LGBTQ community expressed their grief and called out platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook as inadequate to tackle cyberbullying.

Advertisement

The Nagjhiri police station in-charge, KS Gehlot, said the exact reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained and an investigation is on in the matter, the Free Press Journal reported.

Arthur Bejar, a former Meta executive who quit the organisation in 2021, claimed that Instagram is "fundamentally misleading" the public about the safety of its platform for teens. Mr Bejar testified to US Senators earlier this month and said Instagram is "categorically not" appropriate for children as young as 13.

Advertisement

"I had first-hand experience of them ignoring what can be described as statistically significant research," which suggested millions of teenagers were experiencing safety issues while using Meta's apps, he said

Helplines
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)

Featured Video Of The Day

BJP, With Kailash Gahlot At Fore, Launches 'Sheeshmahal' Protest Against AAP

Advertisement