By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Actor Faces Backlash for Podcast Comments
Actor Zahid Ahmed sparked widespread criticism after stating in a podcast that “social media is the work of the devil” and that content creators “will go to hell.” The comments, made during a conversation with actor Ahmed Ali Akbar, quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from digital creators and social media users.
Public Apology and Damage Control
Facing heavy backlash, Ahmed issued a public apology in a video shared on social media. He admitted that his remarks were “crossing limits” and expressed regret for labeling content creators as “wrongdoers.”
“I feel guilty that I declared them wrongdoers,” he said, adding, “No one except almighty God has the right to declare anyone sinful.”
Ahmed clarified that his criticism was aimed at those who misuse social media platforms, not all content creators. However, he acknowledged that his words sent the wrong message, especially to young followers who look up to him for guidance on religious and ethical matters.
Content Creators React Strongly
The backlash was led by prominent influencers, including Adnan Zafar (Ken Doll), who criticized Ahmed’s comments as hypocritical and unfairly judgmental. Zafar questioned why content creators were being stigmatized while other professions were not subjected to the same moral scrutiny.
Ahmed attempted to clarify his stance, stating that his intention was not to condemn all digital creators but rather to highlight misuse of social media. However, critics argued that his initial statement was too sweeping and damaging.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Ahmed vowed to be more cautious with his words in the future, saying, “I’ll make sure this never happens again.” The controversy has reignited discussions on the responsibility of public figures when discussing sensitive topics and the impact of their words on social media communities.