When Roast Toast Burns: Hypocrisy of Online Takedowns

Every roast video begins with a simple disclaimer, “This video is for entertainment purposes only.” We all feel that this is a harmless introduction, right? Wrong. For some roast video creators, it’s a just-say-no card, shielding them from criticism while they go around and enjoy their roast business. Yet, this innocent statement betrays a deeper malaise, a “glass is half-empty” syndrome where entertainment is on insecurities, I say, for lack of meaningless direction in life.

Roasting isn’t new. It started as a niche on YouTube in comedy and now has spilt all over into the content like algae on stagnant lakes. It is morphing into an all-consuming grunge culture that was once limited to rebellious music genres. What was once a sarcastic take on humans has now turned into a playground for insults, often under the guise of humour. While the roasters utter in 15 minutes, their impact on their targets is deep, long-lasting, and occasionally devastating.

The Elvish Yadav Episode: When One Roast Led to Realisation

Elvish Yadav is no stranger to controversy. Born Siddharth Yadav in Wazirabad, Gurugram, he gained prominence for his YouTube content and his victory on Bigg Boss OTT Season 2. Most of the time, we all know fame doesn’t come alone; it always has the baggage of public scrutiny, and this time, in Elvish’s case, he was roasted, unlike before!

In the latest video in their controversies, Gautami Kawale and Abhyudaya Mohan, creators behind the Slayy Point channel, targeted not just Elvish but went a little beyond in one of their roast videos. Roasting celebrities has been their bread and butter, but they dragged Elvish’s mother into their narrative this time. What followed was an explosion of outrage from Elvish, his fans, and a good portion of the internet.

Elvish, known for his grave, sharp and straightforward tone, took it formally on X; he expressed his anger, stating, “I had no problem with the roast, but using my mother is not funny.” He further mentioned legal action, adding, “Legal khilaata hu bacho ko. Ab toh kaanoon bhi seekh liya.” Translation? The roasters were about to face a courtroom reality check.

But the tale doesn’t end there. Elvish called on his fanbase, affectionately dubbed the “Elvish Army”, to retaliate without restrictions. His fans flooded social media with comments condemning Slayy Point for crossing the line.

Did Slayypoint apologise and delete clips?

Under immense pressure, Kawale and Mohan removed the controversial clip and posted a sheepish update on X: “Okay, we have removed that part :)” But this didn’t quell the anger. Fans demanded more: an apology, the removal of the entire video, and perhaps even a ceremonial handing over of their roasting licenses.

What’s striking here is the irony. Roasters thrive on dishing out insults and seem unprepared for the backlash when their jokes miss the mark. It’s the classic case of the bully being unable to stomach a dose of their own medicine.

Why Words Hurt More Than Sticks and Stones? That’s The Psychology of Roasting.

Let’s be real: roasting is about showing who the boss is. The person roasting gets a quick power boost, making them feel they’re on top of the world. But for the one being roasted, it’s a different story. They’re left with the sharp sting of public shame, all while others laugh at their expense. Only until someone turns the tables.

The moment they taste their medicine, their confidence disappears faster than a dropped wallet in a market. Not everyone who gets roasted reacts similarly; some ignore and laugh along, but others take it to heart and beyond. And that’s where the real trouble begins. Just words? They cut deep. They stick in your mind, sometimes leaving scars that don’t fade.

Words can never be just harmless jokes. They are capable of building someone up or tearing them down to bits.

The fans are fuel to the fire:

Elvish’s fans played a vital role in escalating the drama. His fan armies are fiercely loyal and often irrational. Usually, they turn conflicts into wilfire and minor disagreements into wars. Their support is usually comforting for creators but also has its risks. The Elvish Fan Army’s retaliation raised questions about the ethical boundaries of fan behaviour.

Is there anything that can be done to improve the evolving roasting culture?

This incident with Elvish Yadav and Slayy Point is a smaller bit of a larger issue. Why has our culture become so obsessed with tearing others down? Is it inherent? A product of upbringing? Or is it simply a reflection of unresolved personal issues? Whatever the reason, it is high time to acknowledge the harm this culture inflicts.

Roasting random people for entertainment might seem harmless, but it often veers into anything but normal territory. It brushes emotions, fosters negativity and throws away the humanity of both the roaster and the roasted.

When the Roast Toast Burns!

Roasting is a beautiful form of comedy that requires skill, sensitivity and an understanding of boundaries. Dragging someone’s family into the mix is neither clever nor funny, it’s lazy and cruel. And while the internet might need to remember controversies quickly, the people involved don’t.

As for the audience, it’s time we ask ourselves why we enjoy watching others get torn apart. Are we complicit in perpetuating this culture? And more importantly, are we okay with the kind of society this fosters?

So, the next time you laugh at a roast video, remember: what’s fun for you might be trauma for someone else.

We can choose our entertainment wisely, find it Here!