CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Rift emerges between US influencer Marvin and UP YouTuber Shivani
A rift has emerged in the friendship between Shivani Kumari, a well-known YouTuber from Auraiya district in Uttar Pradesh and a former Bigg Boss OTT-3 contestant, and US influencer Marvin Achi. The dispute between the two has become a topic of discussion on social media. Marvin released a video accusing Shivani of mocking him in the name of Indian culture and hospitality. After the allegations, Shivani also released a tearful video presenting her side.
US influencer Marvin Achi had first reached Ariyari village in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh in July 2025. Shivani welcomed him there in a traditional manner. Later, in September 2026, Marvin visited Shivani’s village again and also took part in the Dussehra celebrations. During this, Shivani applied black colour to his face, drew a moustache and put a tilak on his forehead as part of the local Tesu-Jhenjhi tradition.
According to Marvin, he was not told at the time about the tradition or the purpose behind applying colour to his face. He accepted it as part of Indian culture. However, after later seeing comments from friends and people on social media, he realised that he had been made fun of through the incident. He alleged that it was all done to get likes and views on social media. Marvin also said he had no complaint against India or Indian culture, but he had not expected such behaviour from a friend.
After Marvin’s video surfaced, Shivani Kumari became emotional. Speaking while crying, she said Marvin was her guest and like a brother to her. He stayed with her for about 15 days, and during this time she always respected him. Shivani said that if Marvin had felt hurt by anything she did, he should have spoken to her directly. She said she was hurt by the public release of a video against her.
Denying the allegations, Shivani said she never intended to insult Marvin. After the videos from both sides surfaced, social media users have been divided in their reactions. Some are supporting Marvin’s anger, while many users are expressing their views in Shivani’s favour. At present, the dispute between the two has not been resolved.
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