A throwback video of Priyanka Chopra stepping out of an airport has unexpectedly gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of trolling and speculation. In the clip, a couple of fans are seen running behind the actress twice—first near the airport entry and then again in front of the media—asking for her autograph. This repetition led several users to claim that the actress had allegedly hired fans to create a staged moment for publicity. As the online conversation intensified, Hollywood actress Bella Thorne stepped in, publicly defending Priyanka and dismissing the allegations.
How the Controversy Began
The dispute started when the resurfaced video began making rounds across various social media platforms. The footage shows the same two individuals chasing Priyanka for an autograph in two different spots within minutes. Many viewers quickly concluded that the moment seemed orchestrated, prompting widespread criticism.
Some social media users accused Priyanka’s PR team of arranging the “fan encounter” to generate buzz around her airport appearance. The repetitive nature of the interaction gave rise to claims that the incident was a “fake PR stunt,” sparking memes, sarcastic remarks and heated debates online.
Despite the growing chatter, Priyanka has so far chosen not to respond to the allegations. The actress has often been subjected to intense online scrutiny, and this incident added fuel to ongoing discussions about celebrity culture, fan engagement and the role of PR in shaping public perceptions.
Bella Thorne Comes Out in Support
As the controversy continued to escalate, Bella Thorne—known for her candid views and social media presence—came across a post accusing Priyanka of staging the interaction. The post claimed the incident looked like a “complete PR stunt.” Responding to this, Bella strongly disagreed and offered an explanation that aligned more closely with the realities of celebrity life.
In her comment, Bella wrote, “No, I don’t think this is a PR stunt. When you're inside an airport terminal, fans follow you everywhere. Many of them collect autographs to sell online. They usually get blank papers signed, which they can later Photoshop to make it look like the signature is on something valuable.”
Bella further explained that Priyanka likely signed twice because the fans continued to follow her and would have persisted regardless. “She’s signing again because they won’t leave her alone. They’ll keep chasing her inside the terminal,” Bella wrote, highlighting how common such incidents are for global celebrities.
Her statement quickly gained attention, with many appreciating her supportive stance. Fans of Priyanka also echoed Bella’s sentiment, pointing out that autograph reselling is a known practice at major international airports.
Ongoing Debate on Social Media
The viral video has opened up a broader conversation about the pressures celebrities face in public spaces. Some users believe stars often deal with aggressive or opportunistic individuals seeking signatures or photos purely for resale value. Others argue that PR teams sometimes do orchestrate moments for visibility, making debates like this unavoidable.
For now, Priyanka has not issued any statement addressing the controversy, choosing to maintain silence amid the online noise.
Priyanka Chopra’s Upcoming Projects
On the work front, Priyanka continues to be one of the most globally recognised Indian artists. After films like Mary Kom, Dil Dhadakne Do, Bajirao Mastani and Jai Gangaajal, she is preparing for her next major project—SS Rajamouli’s film Varanasi.
The high-profile film stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Priyanka. Scheduled for theatrical release during Sankranti 2027, the film features Mahesh Babu as Rudra, Priyanka as Mandakini, and Prithviraj as Kumbha. With its ambitious scale and widely discussed cast, the film has already created significant pre-release buzz.
