Fact Check: The Truth Behind the Payal Gaming Viral MMS Claims

New Delhi | December 17, 2025 — Popular Indian digital creator and e-sports star Payal Dhare, widely known by her online alias Payal Gaming, has recently become the target of a malicious online misinformation campaign. In the last 24 hours, social media platforms—particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram—have been flooded with claims of a “leaked 1-minute 20-second Dubai MMS video” featuring the creator.

However, detailed fact-checks and fan investigations have confirmed that these claims are entirely false and the content in question is an AI-generated deepfake.

Who is Payal Dhare?

Payal Dhare is one of India’s most successful female gaming influencers. Born in September 2000 in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, she rose to fame through her engaging streams of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and GTA V.

Her career milestones include:

• Massive Following: Over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and 4.2 million followers on Instagram.
• Industry Recognition: Association with the prestigious e-sports organization S8UL.
• National Impact: She was among the select group of gamers invited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 to discuss the future of the Indian gaming industry.
• Awards: Recipient of multiple accolades, including “Best Gaming & Esports Influencer” at the 2025 Impact Digital Influencer Awards.

The Viral Deepfake Controvers

The controversy began while Payal was reportedly vacationing in Dubai, sharing travel vlogs and photos with her followers. Bad actors exploited this timing to circulate a short clip, falsely alleging it was a private moment from her trip.

Key Findings of the Fact Check:

• AI Manipulation: Digital forensics and fan comparisons show the video uses AI deepfake technology to overlay Payal’s face onto unrelated footage.
• Spam & Phishing: Many links shared alongside the “leaked” video are dangerous clickbait designed to lead users to phishing websites or malware downloads.
• Pattern of Harassment: This incident follows a string of similar attacks on other influencers, such as the “19-minute video” hoax involving other creators earlier this year.

Fans and Experts Speak Out

The gaming community has rallied behind Payal, with thousands of fans using hashtags like #SupportPayalGaming to debunk the clips. Many have pointed out the ethical dangers of AI, noting how easily it can be used to damage a person’s reputation.

“It is disgusting to see how AI is being misused to ruin someone’s image for views. We need stricter laws against deepfake harassment,” one user wrote on X.

As of today, Payal Dhare has not issued a formal statement, continuing to focus on her professional commitments. Legal experts advise users against clicking on these suspicious links, as sharing such non-consensual or fabricated content is a punishable offense under Indian IT laws.