Just hours after the internet erupted in outrage over a viral clip from an Eid show, veteran Pakistani actress and host Javeria Saud issued a formal public apology to acclaimed actress Yumna Zaidi, admitting that her team used an unverified photo and clarifying that her controversial “Stone Age” comment was never aimed at anyone personally.
The show featured a game where celebrities were asked to identify stars from their childhood photos. Things went off track when a picture incorrectly identified as Yumna’s childhood photo was shown on air. A comment describing the individual as someone who had been “working since the Stone Age,” followed by laughter, didn’t sit well with viewers or the industry.
Yumna Zaidi hit back at the video, calling the picture fake and saying it was identity-based disinformation, and that data or information should be verified before airing on national television.
Javeria Saud responded with a written apology, admitting her team sourced the picture online without proper verification. She added that she has immense love and respect for Yumna, and that her age-related comment was misunderstood, referring to a time period of work, not anyone’s age, and was a general remark never intended for anyone in particular.
Maya Ali came forward to defend Yumna Zaidi and slammed Javeria Saud for the insensitive remarks.
Maya Ali requested channels to verify before airing anything about anyone and urged the industry to use platforms responsibly. Her story was also shared by Hania Aamir. The incident has reignited an important national conversation about responsible content creation on television.
