Actors Prabhas, Balakrishna and Gopichand have landed in legal trouble after a cybercrime complaint was reportedly filed against them for accusing them of promoting the illegal betting app Fun88. This happened a few days after Telangana police filed an FIR against Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati and 23 other celebrities and influencers for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps.
Times Now reported that the illegal betting app endorsed during the talk show Unstoppable Season 2, as per the petitioner, Rama Rao Immaneni,. Prabhas, Gopichand and Balakrishna were seen in that episode. The petitioner claimed that he lost Rs 80 lakhs through the platform. The complainant requested the authorities to block public access to the Apps citing national security risks.
Earlier, Vijay Deverakonda issued an official statement about the FIR filed against him and claimed that his endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the public and all concerned parties that Mr. Vijay Deverakonda had officially entered into a contract with a company solely for the limited purpose of serving as a brand ambassador for skill-based games. His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.”
“It is important to clarify that skill-based games, including online games such as rummy, have been repeatedly recognized by the Honourable Supreme Court of India as distinct from gambling or gaming. The court has upheld that such games involve skill rather than chance, making them legally permissible. Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s legal team and agencies carefully review all associations before entering into any agreements. After a thorough legal review, he had agreed to endorse the skill-based gaming platform A23, ensuring that his association aligned with the law standards.”
“However, his endorsement term ended in 2023, and he is no longer associated with the brand. This press release is being issued to eliminate any misconceptions / misinformation and to emphasize that Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s past endorsement of a legally recognized skill-based gaming company was completely lawful.” the statement further concluded.
Meanwhile, Prabhas, Balakrishna and Gopichand are yet to react this controversy.
