New Delhi [India], March 21: Actor Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj issued clarifications on Thursday in response to allegations claiming they promoted illegal betting and gambling apps through their social media platforms.
In a statement, Deverakonda’s team explained that the actor had entered into a contract as a brand ambassador for a company that specializes in skill-based games. The endorsement was limited to regions where online skill-based games were legally allowed. The statement clarified that the actor’s promotion adhered strictly to the legalities of the region, ensuring compliance with Indian law.
“It is important to clarify that skill-based games, such as rummy, have been repeatedly recognized by the Honourable Supreme Court of India as distinct from gambling or gaming,” the statement said. It went on to state that the court has affirmed these games as involving skill rather than chance, and thus, legally permissible.
Deverakonda’s team also emphasized that his legal team had thoroughly reviewed all agreements before endorsing the platform A23. However, the endorsement ended in 2023, and the actor is no longer associated with the brand. The clarification was issued to address and dispel any misconceptions about his past endorsements.
On the same day, actor Prakash Raj released a self-made video on his X handle in which he clarified his involvement with a gaming app advertisement. Raj admitted to having endorsed the app in 2016 but noted that after some time, he no longer felt comfortable continuing the association.
He explained, “My conscience didn’t accept it, and when the renewal came up, I declined. I haven’t done any ads for gambling since then.” He further clarified that after receiving snippets of his past advertisement circulating on social media, he sent an official notice to stop unauthorized use of his endorsement.
The Telangana Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, including Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling apps. The FIR was filed at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad following a complaint from businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. According to Sarma’s complaint, many individuals in his community had been influenced by social media personalities to invest in gambling apps.