‘India's Got Latent S2’ Premiere Episode: Alia Bhatt Refuses to Laugh at ‘Epstein Island’ Joke on Samay Raina’s Netflix Show, ‘Alpha’ Actress Garners Praise (Watch Video)

The highly anticipated second season of Samay Raina's popular reality-comedy show, India's Got Latent, premiered on June 20, 2026, simultaneously on Netflix and YouTube, featuring a star-studded guest panel including Bollywood actresses Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh. While the episode garnered significant buzz, it was Alia Bhatt's reaction to a contentious joke that has truly captivated social media and sparked widespread discussion. Samay Raina Was ‘Super Nervous’ During India’s Got Latent S2 Episode Featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, Reveals Insider - Details.

What Happened on ‘India’s Got Latent S2’?

During a stand-up act by contestant Avinash Agarwal, who was impersonating former US President Donald Trump, a particular line referencing 'Epstein Island' drew a sharp collective response. "What else do you want to talk about?" asked Avinash Agarwal after his first few jokes. Samay Raina quipped, "Oil".  To This, Agarwal delivered the controversial punchline in Donald Trump's voice, saying, "You want oil? Come to the Island, my friend. There is lot of oil." This remark, widely interpreted as a reference to Jeffrey Epstein's infamous island and The Epstein Files, elicited cheers from the audience and laughter and applause from host Samay Raina.

Alia Bhatt's Unwavering Composure During Epstein Island Joke on 'India's Got Latent S2'

However, it was Alia Bhatt's distinct reaction that caught the attention of countless viewers. Unlike the enthusiastic response from others, the Alpha actress remained notably silent, looking away, and appeared visibly uncomfortable and unimpressed by the joke. This nuanced display of disapproval has since gone viral, with fans across social media platforms commending her for her integrity and sensitivity on a serious subject.

Alia Bhatt Refuses to Laugh During Epstein Island Joke on 'India's Got Latent S2' - Watch Video: 

Online comments poured in, praising Bhatt for her "awareness and moral compass" and for choosing not to endorse humour surrounding a topic linked to child abuse and exploitation. One user noted, "Loved how Alia didn't laugh on a joke made on Epstein Island." Another highlighted, "It only takes a small gesture to reveal a person's awareness and moral compass. Alia Bhatt, the lone voice on the panel refusing to laugh at a joke about Epstein Island, showed more integrity in that moment than the rest combined."

Samay Raina Faces Backlash for Epstein Joke on 'India's Got Latent S2'

In contrast to the praise for Alia Bhatt, host Samay Raina has faced criticism from a section of the audience for permitting and seemingly encouraging the controversial joke. Many viewers expressed disappointment, arguing that trivialising the severe allegations and suffering associated with Epstein Island was inappropriate for a comedy show. "The Epstein files were never a punchline. Treating them as a joke means trivializing the suffering of countless children who were exploited, abused and denied justice," read one comment.

'India's Got Latent' Returns Amidst Prior Controversies

India's Got Latent Season 2 marks a significant return for Samay Raina's show, which had previously faced a hiatus and controversy during its first season. In February 2025, the show was embroiled in legal scrutiny and public backlash following an "inappropriate remark" made by panellist Ranveer Allahbadia, leading to multiple FIRs and the temporary removal of all episodes from YouTube. ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’: Samay Raina and Sunil Pal’s Viral Face-Off Stuns Fans.

The current season's first episode, India's Got Latent Season 2, which features Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh promoting their film Alpha (set for a theatrical release on July 3, 2026), aimed for a fresh start with its simultaneous Netflix and YouTube release strategy. While the premiere episode also featured other comedic roasts directed at Alia Bhatt, including digs at her Cannes Film Festival 2026 appearance and her flop film Jigra, it is her principled reaction to the Epstein Island joke that has cemented itself as the most talked-about moment, reinforcing the ongoing debate about ethical considerations in entertainment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 02:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).