After Kunal Kamra requests that the platform not delist him, BookMyShow responds.
BookMyShow, the ticketing website, released a public statement after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra requested that they give him correct information and refrain from “delisting” him. They acknowledge that “facts have been misrepresented” in their statement, highlighting their involvement in the issue.
BookMyShow responds to comedian Kunal Kamra with a statement
BookMyShow officially declared that they are a “business with neutrality in compliance with the applicable laws of India” and that they are a platform to “facilitate the sale of tickets.” Additionally, their statement states: “Publicly available information about our position has been misconstrued. It is up to the venue or organiser to decide whether or not to include their concerts; our job is to serve as a platform for live show ticket sales.
BookMyShow statement read,
“Bookmyshow is a platform to facilitate the sale of tickets and operates the business with neutrality and in compliance with the applicable laws of India. Facts on our role have been misrepresented in the public domain. Our role is to provide a platform for ticket sales of live shows and it is the decision of the organiser or the venue to list or delist their shows.”
“The content of each performance is solely at the discretion of the performer or the organiser (as the case may be) and does not bear any representation of our views. We work with all venues and promoters on mutually agreed upon commercials to provide our ticketing service, as would be the case with any business. We do not restrict any artist from selling their show on their own website, should they choose to do so.”
They concluded,
“Our platform is about bringing people together through shared experiences, regardless of their beliefs. We remain committed to delivering the best possible service and experience for everybody”
The ticket purchasing website further stated that, unless the performer or the organisers decide otherwise, they do not prohibit musicians from selling show tickets on their platform.
Following the comedian’s recent scandal, there have also been allegations of mounting pressure from political heavyweights, such as Yuva Shiv Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal.
Kunal also used a Bollywood meme in response to BookMyShow’s assertions.
BookMyShow previously deleted Kunal Kamra’s listing
Rahool Kanal, a youth leader, addressed BookMyShow a letter on April 2 asking them to stop selling tickets for Kamra’s next performances. Kamra and his shows were later taken down from BookMyShow.
Following Kunal’s most recent performance in Mumbai, the leader launched an attack on Habitat Studio, which sparked the conflict between Kamra and Rahool Kanal. The comedian’s discussion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the contentious event led to Kamra being charged with defamation and public mischief.
At one of his gigs, the comedian performed a spoof of the well-known song Bholi Si Surat from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai. He allegedly attacked Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, with this song.
The statement made by Kunal Kamra to BookMyShow
In an earlier formal statement, Kunal asked BookMyShow to either keep him on the platform’s list or give him information on his solo performances on social media
Following the boycott of the platform by Kamra supporters, the comedian stated,
“Dear BookMyShow, I understand that you need to maintain a cordial relationship with the state, and I know that Mumbai is a major hub for live entertainment. Without the state’s cooperation, iconic shows like Coldplay and Guns N’ Roses wouldn’t be possible. However, the issue at hand isn’t about whether you can or will delist me-it’s about your exclusive right on listing our shows.”
The comedian added,
“With that in mind, I request one of the following:- Do not delist me, or provide me with the data (contact information) I’ve generated through your platform from my audience. Thank you for your understanding”
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