FridayOL

Chandigarh: In a swift and strong response, Preity Zinta, the beloved co-owner of Punjab Kings, has vehemently denied the authenticity of a viral photograph circulating on social media. The image, which has sparked considerable online debate, purportedly shows her embracing a 14-year-old Rajasthan Royals player, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Zinta clarified that the photo is a 'morphed' creation and that she only shook his hand during a recent IPL match.

The controversy erupted when the manipulated image began trending across various social media platforms, with many users expressing concern and outrage. Zinta, known for her active presence on social media, took to Instagram to address the situation head-on, posting a statement alongside a genuine photo of her shaking hands with Vaibhav.

“It’s deeply upsetting to see how easily people can manipulate images and spread misinformation,” Zinta wrote in her post. “This morphed photo is completely false. I only shook Vaibhav’s hand as a gesture of goodwill and encouragement after he played well. I am shocked and disappointed by those who created and shared this fake image to create unnecessary drama.”

The incident highlights the growing problem of digitally altered images and the ease with which they can be disseminated online. Zinta’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it and the potential harm that fabricated content can cause.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the young Rajasthan Royals player at the center of the controversy, has yet to publicly comment on the situation. However, the team has reportedly been made aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it.

This isn't the first time Zinta has faced online negativity. She has often spoken out against unwarranted criticism and trolling, using her platform to promote positivity and respect. This latest incident underscores the need for greater responsibility and ethical considerations in the use of social media.

The Punjab Kings management has also released a statement supporting Zinta and condemning the creation and spread of the fake image. They emphasized their commitment to protecting the well-being of all players and personnel involved in the IPL.

As social media continues to evolve, incidents like this serve as a crucial lesson for users and platforms alike. The ability to discern truth from fabrication is becoming increasingly vital in navigating the digital landscape. Zinta’s decisive response and call for accountability are commendable and set a positive example for others facing similar challenges.