Overview

• Poonam Pandey, an Indian actress, sparked controversy by faking her death from cervical cancer as part of a social media campaign to raise awareness about the disease.
• The stunt led to widespread criticism for being insensitive, especially towards those affected by cancer, and for undermining journalistic integrity due to lack of verification.
• Digital agency Schbang, which orchestrated the campaign, issued an apology, emphasizing their goal to elevate awareness about cervical cancer.
• The incident has ignited a debate on the ethics of using shocking tactics for public health campaigns and the responsibility of media in verifying news.
• Despite the backlash, Pandey defended the campaign, highlighting the increased conversation around cervical cancer prevention and the importance of HPV vaccination and regular screenings.