| Image: X |
Two US-based influencers, Joel Webbon and Alex Stein, are facing heavy criticism online after a viral video showed them making offensive comments about Hinduism and Indians. The clip is from Stein’s podcast, where both were discussing the growing Indian population in Texas.
In the video, Stein made insulting claims about Hindu practices, while asking Webbon to compare Hinduism with other religions. Webbon called Hinduism “demonic” and criticised it for having many gods. He also made false and exaggerated claims about rituals, calling the religion “pagan” and “satanic.” Stein added that Hinduism does not fit Western values and even accused Indians of misusing H-1B visas.
Their remarks did not go well with people online. Many users strongly criticised them for spreading hate and misinformation.
Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation, slammed the comments in an X post writing, “Arrogant, intolerant monotheism – see the video below – that goes around labelling reverence for all of nature as ‘demonic’ and ‘satanic’- that belief is what makes men do evil. History supplies ample evidence. Hindus did not run crusades. Hindus did not burn witches at the stake. Hindus did not invade nations and enslave people in the name of bringing ‘Civilisation’ and ‘God’ to ‘pagans’.”
Several social media users also defended Hinduism, saying it is a peaceful religion that respects nature and does not threaten people with fear. Many called out the influencers for making such statements just to gain attention and views.
This is not the first time both have been in controversy. Webbon has earlier made sexist comments, while Stein has mocked Hindu culture publicly in the past as well.
Leave a Reply