Mumbai: Rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh has once again landed in controversy after a comment made during a recent stage appearance in Delhi sparked widespread criticism online. In a video clip of the concert of singers Nanku and Karun, Honey Singh was caught on camera making a sexually explicit statement when addressing the audience. Although the audience at the event was cheering, the video prompted sensations of extreme backlash on social media, with many users labeling the remark as crude and irresponsible.
After the backlash, Honey Singh went to Instagram on Thursday evening to publicly apologize and clarify the context of his words.
Honey Singh says he crossed a line
Honey Singh has apologised to all those who may have been hurt or offended by his language in a video message posted on his official social media handle. He even confessed that his choice of words might have overstepped a boundary and he never meant to hurt anyone.
“I am sorry to those who were offended by my language. I did not mean to hurt anyone. I am human and I make mistakes. I will try not to repeat this mistake again,” he said. The rapper also added that he would be more mindful in the future about how he speaks and how his words can be taken out of context once clips circulate online.
The context behind the controversial remark
Explaining what led to the remark, Honey Singh said the viral video did not show the full context. He disclosed that he was a guest in the show and did not have a prepared speech. He claims that a few days prior to the event, he had a lunch with several gynaecologists and sexologists who were discussing the increasing cases of sexually transmitted diseases among young people because of unsafe sex.
“When I went on the show and saw the Gen Z audience, I thought I would give them a message in their language to use condoms and play safe,” he explained. According to him, he felt that thinking in a more casual manner, which is often observed in OTT content and films that are popular among the younger generation, would enable the message to be more comprehensible. Nevertheless, this strategy, according to him, offended a lot of people.
The controversy began after Honey Singh was heard saying during the concert, “It’s so cold in Delhi. It’s fun to have sex in a car in this weather. So have sex in the car in Delhi’s cold, but use condoms, guys. Please play safe.” The clip received harsh criticisms after it leaked to the Internet after the audience at the venue gave the clip positive feedback.
Social media backlash and criticism
Users of the social media were fast to criticize the rapper over his comment. The comment was described by many as cheap, problematic, and also deeply disappointing. Others wondered why he still speaks such words even after the controversies and personal struggles he has had in the past. Others mocked him with nicknames and sarcastic comments, while a few pointed out that he had been invited to perform at high profile events in the past, raising concerns over accountability.
Comments ranged from questioning the kind of message being promoted to outright calls for the singer to step away from the spotlight. His previous songs were also mentioned by several users and accused him of making vulgarity normal in popular culture.
Honey Singh promises to be careful going forward
At the end of his apology, Honey Singh claimed that he would be more careful in future. I will also be more conscious of what I say, how I say it, and with whom I am communicating with. I will also keep in mind that my words can be edited or presented differently from what I intended,” he said, signing off by asking fans to continue supporting him.
For those unaware, Honey Singh has previously spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse and recovery. In a previous interview with NDTV, he confessed that drugs had crippled his health and it took his body almost eight years to bounce back in full after he had to stop in 2014.
“I do not want anything like this to happen to anyone, not even my enemies,” he had said at the time.
What’s next for Honey Singh
Despite the controversy, Honey Singh continues to remain active professionally. Known for hit tracks like Party All Night and Chaar Bottle Vodka, he made a comeback in 2023 with Kalaastar, a sequel to his popular song Desi Kalakaar featuring Sonakshi Sinha. He has just released his album 51 Glorious Days and is now preparing to take off his My Story World Tour that will start in Dubai on February 6, 2026, at the Coca Cola Arena.
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