Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh and Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat are under scrutiny in the United Kingdom over their involvement in the controversial music video Jatt Mehkma. The video, which was shot in Birmingham and Herefordshire and features young boys handling replica firearms, has prompted a formal complaint to the UK government. Since its release in November 2024, the video has gone viral, racking up nearly 40 million views on YouTube.
According to Deadline, British MP Manuela Perteghella, who represents Stratford-upon-Avon in the West Midlands, submitted the complaint to the UK Home Office. She has expressed concern over the content, which she believes may have violated laws related to child safety and the depiction of imitation firearms. The Home Office has not made any public statements but is reportedly considering issuing exclusion orders against both artists, potentially barring them from entering the country.
Exclusion Orders Under Consideration
Deadline reported that according to sources familiar with the matter, officials are exploring exclusion orders on the grounds that Singh and Hayat’s presence in the UK may not be “conducive to the public good,” as per immigration rules. If approved, the order would not be publicly announced but would be privately communicated to the individuals involved. The Home Office, West Midlands Police, and other parties have so far declined to comment on the ongoing deliberations.
Legal experts suggest that pursuing an exclusion order may be a simpler course of action than launching formal legal proceedings against non-UK nationals. The concerns stem not only from the portrayal of violence but also from the involvement of minors in scenes mimicking gang culture, which could be interpreted as promoting harmful behaviour.
Criticism from Community Leaders and Child Advocates
Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, a prominent British Muslim leader and youth chaplain, condemned the video. He said the depiction of British children in stylised gang scenes using imitation weapons was troubling, both morally and legally. Armstrong urged child protection agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, arguing that the project glamorises violence under the guise of entertainment.
He further noted that the video undermines efforts to deter youth involvement in gang culture and called on media stakeholders to avoid supporting such content. Although Jatt Mehkma was previously featured on BBC Asian Network playlists, the BBC clarified that future programming decisions are made case-by-case based on musical relevance and appropriateness.
Neither Honey Singh nor Mehwish Hayat has responded to the backlash or the reports of a potential travel ban. Hayat’s representatives declined to issue any comments, while Singh, who reportedly has family in the UK, has remained silent. Singh is listed as the creator of the video, with Mihir Gulati credited as director. Gulati has also not addressed the issue publicly.
Hayat, best known internationally for her role in Ms. Marvel, and Singh, a well-known figure in India’s music scene, collaborated on the gangster-themed video that ends with children opening fire on a group of men using prop weapons. The production was facilitated by the UK-registered company Blue Bling Production House, though its founder clarified that the company only handled logistical arrangements.
According to Deadline, British MP Manuela Perteghella, who represents Stratford-upon-Avon in the West Midlands, submitted the complaint to the UK Home Office. She has expressed concern over the content, which she believes may have violated laws related to child safety and the depiction of imitation firearms. The Home Office has not made any public statements but is reportedly considering issuing exclusion orders against both artists, potentially barring them from entering the country.
Exclusion Orders Under Consideration
Deadline reported that according to sources familiar with the matter, officials are exploring exclusion orders on the grounds that Singh and Hayat’s presence in the UK may not be “conducive to the public good,” as per immigration rules. If approved, the order would not be publicly announced but would be privately communicated to the individuals involved. The Home Office, West Midlands Police, and other parties have so far declined to comment on the ongoing deliberations.
Legal experts suggest that pursuing an exclusion order may be a simpler course of action than launching formal legal proceedings against non-UK nationals. The concerns stem not only from the portrayal of violence but also from the involvement of minors in scenes mimicking gang culture, which could be interpreted as promoting harmful behaviour.
Criticism from Community Leaders and Child Advocates
Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, a prominent British Muslim leader and youth chaplain, condemned the video. He said the depiction of British children in stylised gang scenes using imitation weapons was troubling, both morally and legally. Armstrong urged child protection agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, arguing that the project glamorises violence under the guise of entertainment.
He further noted that the video undermines efforts to deter youth involvement in gang culture and called on media stakeholders to avoid supporting such content. Although Jatt Mehkma was previously featured on BBC Asian Network playlists, the BBC clarified that future programming decisions are made case-by-case based on musical relevance and appropriateness.
Neither Honey Singh nor Mehwish Hayat has responded to the backlash or the reports of a potential travel ban. Hayat’s representatives declined to issue any comments, while Singh, who reportedly has family in the UK, has remained silent. Singh is listed as the creator of the video, with Mihir Gulati credited as director. Gulati has also not addressed the issue publicly.
Hayat, best known internationally for her role in Ms. Marvel, and Singh, a well-known figure in India’s music scene, collaborated on the gangster-themed video that ends with children opening fire on a group of men using prop weapons. The production was facilitated by the UK-registered company Blue Bling Production House, though its founder clarified that the company only handled logistical arrangements.
You may also like
As soon as you lie down on the bed, thousands of thoughts start running through your mind. Know which sleep disorder are you suffering from?
Censor Board clears Rudra's 'Oho Enthan Baby' for release
Is identity a valid ground for discharge? Hundreds of trans women in the US military face exit after new executive order
8 must see celestial events lighting up July 2025; from Buck Moon to Rare Planet Sightings
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham could land transfer for Prem player Pep Guardiola thinks is 'special'
