Pori Moni Viral Video Controversy Sparks Fresh Debate in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi actress Pori Moni has spoken out after a manipulated video featuring her likeness circulated through the Instagram account of Maasranga Television, triggering widespread discussion about artificial intelligence, online privacy and the responsibility of media organisations.
The controversy began on October 13, 2026, when objectionable videos featuring the likenesses of Pori Moni and fellow actress Mehazabien Chowdhury appeared on the broadcaster’s Instagram account.
Maasranga Television said its account had been hacked and that fabricated content created using artificial intelligence had been posted without authorisation. The channel subsequently reported recovering the account and removing the videos.
However, Pori Moni questioned whether an apology alone was enough to address the consequences of the incident, arguing that the circulation of the material had disrupted her personal life and affected her ability to use social media normally.
What Did Pori Moni Say About the Viral Video?
During a Facebook Live session on the night of October 16, Pori Moni expressed anger over the incident and questioned how the videos had been published through the account of an established television broadcaster.
According to reports published by Bangladeshi media outlets, she said the material was not new and that people had sent it to her through WhatsApp approximately one to one and a half years earlier.
She argued that the video’s appearance on a verified media account gave it renewed visibility, exposing the fabricated content to a much wider audience.
Pori Moni also criticised people who continued asking for links to the video in unrelated social media discussions. She questioned why users were so determined to find and share material that had been identified as fake.
Her comments highlighted the difference between the existence of manipulated footage and the decision to circulate it to a much larger audience.
Was the Pori Moni Viral Video Real?
No. Bangladesh-based fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner investigated the videos and reported that they had been manipulated using face-swapping technology.
The investigation found that footage featuring other people had been edited to superimpose the actresses’ faces, creating a false impression that the women appeared in the depicted scenes.
The videos should therefore not be treated as authentic recordings of Pori Moni or Mehazabien Chowdhury.
This distinction is important because a convincing-looking video does not establish that the person whose face appears in it actually participated in the recorded activity.
AI-generated impersonation can create serious reputational harm, particularly when the material is presented as genuine and distributed by accounts that audiences trust.
Why Did Pori Moni Criticise Maasranga TV?
Pori Moni questioned the broadcaster’s explanation that its Instagram account had been hacked, particularly the amount of time the disputed posts reportedly remained available.
She argued that a media organisation with substantial resources should provide clearer answers about what happened and how the incident was handled.
In a separate statement addressing Maasranga Television, she said the channel’s apology had not resolved the consequences she was experiencing. She described difficulties posting normally on social media, with even photographs of her children attracting unwanted comments.
She also asked when the people responsible would be brought to justice, referring to the channel’s stated intention to pursue legal action.
These remarks reflect her publicly expressed frustration. They do not, by themselves, establish who accessed the account or who uploaded the manipulated videos.
Mehazabien Chowdhury Also Condemns AI-Generated Content
Mehazabien Chowdhury, whose likeness was also used in one of the manipulated clips, criticised the creation and circulation of fabricated material intended to humiliate people.
In a Facebook post on October 15, she questioned why damaging another person’s reputation had become a way to attract attention or earn money online.
She also highlighted the role played by users who knowingly repost harmful material. Even when someone did not create the original video, sharing it can increase its reach and prolong the damage to the person targeted.
Her comments broadened the discussion beyond the original incident, raising questions about consent, digital responsibility and the misuse of AI technology.
How Did Maasranga Television Respond?
Maasranga Television said its official Instagram account had been compromised during the early hours of October 13.
The broadcaster stated that fabricated images and videos had been uploaded without authorisation, and it reported recovering access and removing the disputed posts.
It also expressed regret and said it intended to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Rumor Scanner’s investigation confirmed that the videos were manipulated, but the available reporting does not conclusively identify the individual or individuals who uploaded them.
The question of who was responsible for the account activity remains separate from the fact-checking finding that the videos themselves were not authentic recordings of the actresses.
Why Is the Story Trending Again?
The controversy continues to attract attention because it combines celebrity privacy, AI-generated misinformation and questions about the security of a recognised media organisation’s social media account.
The appearance of the material on a broadcaster’s verified profile made the incident particularly concerning for viewers who might initially assume that posts published through a familiar account had been checked.
The subsequent statements from Pori Moni and Mehazabien also brought attention to the wider effects of online harassment, including unwanted comments, reputational damage and the circulation of false claims.
At the same time, searches for the alleged video can lead users to misleading reposts, suspicious websites or accounts promising exclusive footage. Such claims should not be mistaken for evidence that the material is genuine.
Final Thoughts
The Pori Moni viral video controversy centres on manipulated footage that appeared on Maasranga Television’s Instagram account in October 2026.
Fact-checkers found that the videos had been altered using face-swapping technology, while the broadcaster said its account had been hacked. Pori Moni questioned the channel’s response and described the impact the incident had on her personal and online life. Mehazabien also condemned the misuse of AI to humiliate people.
The incident serves as a reminder that viral content is not necessarily authentic. Verifying sources, respecting privacy and refusing to distribute manipulated material are essential steps in preventing further harm.
