Overview
- The creator, known as Pete Z, posted an Instagram reel titled “I Tried Surviving India’s ‘Deadliest Slum’” and a longer YouTube cut documenting three days in Mumbai’s Dharavi.
- The Instagram clip opens with a staged robbery scene before he and an Indian companion, Ayushi, enter local homes and seek a place to sleep, with more interactions shown in the YouTube version.
- India Today reported that Ayushi said she was afraid to participate and that Pete stated he paid her, adding to ethical concerns about consent and staging.
- Commenters condemned the portrayal as poverty tourism and objected to the “deadliest slum” label, while many highlighted Dharavi’s small businesses, resilience, and community life.
- The Indian Express noted the video quickly neared 100,000 views as it spread online, and coverage across outlets documented broad criticism on social media.