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Poonam Pandey (2012): “Suddenly we’re all talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we?”
Photo: AFP
Poonam Pandey defends her actions. Yes, she faked her death to raise awareness of cervical cancer, the 32-year-old said in a video. »Extreme, I know. But suddenly we're all talking about cervical cancer, aren't we?" She said she was proud of what the news of her death was able to achieve.
The model's 1.3 million Instagram followers were informed in a statement: "We are deeply sad to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer."
Her team confirmed in press releases that Pandey “bravely fought the disease” but “died tragically.” "Her unwavering spirit amidst her health problems was truly remarkable," said her manager Nikita Sharma, according to the British Guardian. There is an “urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures against preventable diseases such as cervical cancer.”
Colleagues and celebrities mourned on social media and obituaries were published. But skeptical voices quickly emerged, pointing out that a few days earlier, photos of Pandey looking healthy had been posted on social media.
Pandey then admitted via video message that she "did not die" and apologized to her followers for shocking them. »I didn't die of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the thousands of women who have lost their lives to cervical cancer.
“Unlike some other types of cancer, cervical cancer is completely preventable,” says Pandey. The key lies in the HPV vaccination and early detection tests. "We have the means to ensure that no one loses their life to this disease." According to the Guardian report, health activists are lobbying the Indian government to introduce national HPV vaccinations for girls.
There is great outrage over the faked death. Pandey is being criticized on social media for her “disgraceful” publicity stunt, as the Times of India reports. Celebrities also condemn the action.
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