"Several years from now, she'll be celebrated."
Sam Bombay, ex-husband of Poonam Pandey, has broken his silence over her PR stunt.
On February 2, 2024, Poonam’s team claimed that the actress and model had passed away due to cervical cancer at the age of 32.
However, a day later, it shockingly emerged that Poonam was alive and had faked her death to “elevate awareness” of the disease.
The incident sparked outrage. However, Sam commended Poonam for being bold and for raising awareness.
He explained: “When I heard [that she died], I felt nothing in my heart.
“There was no sense of loss. And I thought this can’t be. Why do I feel nothing?
“Because when you’re connected, you feel everything. I think about her every day.
“And, I pray for her every day. If something was wrong, I’d know.”
Sam went on to assert his happiness that Poonam Pandey was still alive.
He continued: “I am happy she is still alive. She has a lot to contribute.
“If someone raises awareness about an issue with complete disregard for their fame or image, let’s respect that.
“Poonam Pandey is timeless. She is the boldest Indian woman.
“Several years from now, she’ll be celebrated.”
Poonam and Sam married on September 1, 2020. But 10 days later, Poonam filed a complaint against him, accusing him of threatening, molesting and assaulting her.
Sam was subsequently arrested and released on bail. Poonam later reconciled with him, which prompted many to believe that this was just a publicity stunt.
Although the couple separated in 2021, they currently remain legally married.
Sam Bombay was not the only one to defend Poonam Pandey in the wake of the controversy.
Acclaimed filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also came out in support of the star. He wrote on X:
“The extreme method you employed to draw attention to this issue might attract some criticism, but no one can question your intent nor what you achieved with this hoax.
“Discussion on cervical cancer is trending all across now.
“Your soul is as beautiful as you. Wish you a very, very long and happy life.”
Hey @iPoonampandey the extreme method u employed to draw attention to this issue might attract some criticism , but no one can question ur INTENT nor what u ACHIEVED with this HOAX .. Discussion on cervical cancer is TRENDING all across now ??? Your SOUL is as BEAUTIFUL as YOU…
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) February 3, 2024
A statement on Poonam’s Instagram account attempted to explain the move. It read:
“To start off, we would like to extend a heartfelt apology – especially towards those who have been triggered as a result of having a loved one faced/having a loved one face the hardships of any kind of cancer.
“Our actions were driven by a single mission – to elevate awareness about cervical cancer.
“Many of you may be unaware but Poonam’s own mother has bravely battled cancer.
“She understands the importance of prevention and the criticality of awareness.
“This act by Poonam has now resulted in making ‘cervical cancer’ and its related terms the most searched topic(s) on Google.
“Nevertheless, we are deeply apologetic to those who may have been hurt due to this initiative.”
“We understand that our methods may have sparked debate about the approach.
“While we regret any distress caused, if the move results in spreading much-needed awareness and preventing deaths, that would be its real impact.
“We want to clarify that this is a pro-bono activity and not commercially linked to any client.”
Poonam Pandey is also a social media influencer and gained fame through posting semi-nude pictures on her accounts.
She has appeared in the Bollywood film Nasha (2013) and in the reality television show Lock Upp in 2022.
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