Recently, the Internet was taken aback when news of Poonam Pandey’s demise surfaced. The Instagram post suggested that the model, actor, and reality TV star had passed away due to cervical cancer. Many people were left shocked by this news and came forward to share their prayers.
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However, in the recent turn of events, it turns out that it was a cervical cancer awareness campaign. Yes, Poonam Pandey staged her own death to raise awareness about cervical cancer. The recent updates have left many people on the internet very angry, feeling that her approach to addressing this serious issue was inappropriate.
Poonam posted a video sharing the details about the awareness campaign
In a recent Instagram video, Pandey mentioned, “I am alive. I didn’t die because of cervical cancer. Unfortunately I cannot say that about those hundreds and thousands of women who have lost their lives because of cervical cancer. It is not because they coudn’t anything about it because they had no idea what to do about it. I’m here to tell you that unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is preventable. All you have to do is you have to get your tests done and you have to get HPV Vaccine. We can do all this and more to make sure there is no more life lost to this disease.”
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Poonam Pandey posts an apology video for an extreme campaign
In a separate video, Pandey apologized to her fans for spreading false news about her death due to cervical cancer. In the video, she expressed, “I’m sorry I’ve caused this tear and I’m sorry to those whom I’ve hurt. My intention? To shock everyone into the conversation that we are not talking enough about. Which is cervical cancer. Yes, I faked my demise. Extreme, I know. But suddenly we all are talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we? It’s a disease that silently takes your life. And this disease needed the spotlight urgently. I’m proud of what my death news has been able to achieve. And for those who have questions for me, I will see you live on Hot to Fly.”
But, the awareness campaign has left many shocked and stunned. From calling it insensitive to demanding to sue the company and report Poonam’s account, many people have come forward to express their disappointment
People on the internet are upset with Poonam Pandey for such an insensitive campaign:
Ekta Kapoor wrote, “This is awareness of which vaccine not to use!!! The company that encouraged such an insensitive campaign !!! This company shud be sued.” Someone wrote, “This is disgusting. What kinda of awareness is this? Kudko attention chahiye tha Isiliye ye drama ki Kya? Who so ever thought of this idea you’ve a sick mentally. Shame.”
Another user commented, “You know as a doctor I have seen more than 30 women with cervical cancer. Some made it and some didn’t. Survivors or the families of the victims might have come to know about this news and for the first time, must have felt empathetic towards Poonam Pandey, imagine their grief for being made a fool like this, such a level of hurt!”
What do you think about this campaign? Tell us in the comments below.