The media is often considered the fourth pillar of democracy, responsible for keeping the public informed and holding those in positions of power accountable. However, in recent times, the media itself has come under scrutiny for its biased reporting and sensationalism. One such incident that has garnered attention is the slapgate controversy involving Lovekesh Kataria and Vishal Pandey.
For those unfamiliar with the incident, Vishal Pandey, a popular social media influencer, was slapped by Lovekesh Kataria, a fellow influencer, at an event. While the incident itself was deplorable and condemnable, what followed in the media was a display of hypocrisy and blatant disregard for the truth.
Lovekesh Kataria was immediately vilified by the media, with headlines screaming about his violent behavior. He was even called out for not standing by Vishal Pandey’s side during the controversy. This led to widespread criticism of Kataria on social media, with many calling for a boycott of his content.
However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the media’s coverage of the incident was biased and one-sided. While Kataria was portrayed as the villain, Vishal Pandey was painted as the victim. But the truth is far from that. Vishal Pandey himself has a history of controversial and violent behavior, which was conveniently ignored by the media.
In fact, it was later revealed that the slapgate incident was a result of a heated argument between the two influencers. Vishal Pandey had instigated the altercation by making derogatory remarks about Kataria’s family. While this does not justify Kataria’s physical response, it does shed light on the fact that there are two sides to every story.
Despite this, the media continued to focus solely on Kataria’s wrongdoing and completely ignored Vishal Pandey’s actions. They conveniently ignored the fact that it was Vishal Pandey who instigated the incident and portrayed Kataria as the sole culprit.
This biased reporting by the media is not only unfair but also damaging. By showcasing only one side of the story, they have misled the public and created an atmosphere of hate towards Kataria. This has not only affected his personal and professional life but has also led to cyberbullying and threats towards him.
Moreover, the media’s behavior raises questions about their own hypocrisy and bias. While they are quick to call out Lovekesh Kataria for not standing by Vishal Pandey’s side, they conveniently ignore the fact that Vishal Pandey himself has a history of violence towards women. In fact, in a similar incident in the past, he was caught on camera assaulting a female journalist. But the media chose to remain silent on this matter.
This double standard of the media is not only disappointing but also dangerous. It sends a message to the public that violence against women is acceptable as long as the perpetrator is a popular figure. This not only undermines the efforts of the #MeToo movement but also sets a wrong precedent for the younger generation.
In the wake of this controversy, it is essential for the media to introspect and re-evaluate its role in society. As the fourth pillar of democracy, it is their responsibility to present both sides of the story and not succumb to sensationalism for the sake of higher ratings.
The media has the power to shape public opinion and influence the mindset of the masses. It is, therefore, imperative that they use this power responsibly and present news in an unbiased and truthful manner. It is their job to report the facts, not to manipulate them to fit a certain narrative.
In conclusion, the slapgate controversy involving Lovekesh Kataria and Vishal Pandey has once again highlighted the hypocrisy of the media. By choosing to focus only on one side of the story, they have not only misled the public but also contributed to the toxic culture of violence and sensationalism. It is high time for the media to reflect on their actions and strive towards responsible and ethical journalism. Let us hope that incidents like these serve as a wake-up call for the media and encourage them to fulfill their role as the watchdogs of society.
