Poonam Pandey Faces Backlash for Faking Death in Cervical Cancer Awareness Stunt

The controversial campaign by actress Poonam Pandey and digital agency Schbang aimed to raise awareness about cervical cancer, sparking debate on ethical publicity tactics.

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.

One America News Network