Lamichhane: A Target of "Conspiratorial" Content
The controversy began when Paradygm TV released content that was deemed offensive and malicious towards Lamichhane. In a scathing Facebook post, Lamichhane called out the channel for a "completely conspiratorial and deliberately intended" attempt to damage his personal life and reputation. He described the video as a "character assassination" designed to harm his mental peace and exploit his career for the channel's commercial gain.
The cricketer's post resonated with a massive following, leading to an immediate and overwhelming backlash against Paradygm TV. Fans and concerned citizens rallied behind Lamichhane, echoing his sentiment that such content is an unacceptable attack on a national hero. As prominent figure Mohan Adhikary noted, national players are a "symbol of the country's name, honor and identity," and insulting them violates the sentiments of the entire Nepali people.
The Community Rallies to His Defense
The public's response was not limited to online outrage. As Adhikary encouraged, supporters firmly and civilly demanded the video's removal through comments, putting significant pressure on the channel. The collective action and Lamichhane's direct call to action led Paradygm TV to ultimately take down the offending content.
This is not the first time Lamichhane has had to defend his public image. Earlier this year, he was acquitted of rape charges, with the court citing a lack of evidence. The legal battle, however, did little to deter some media outlets from continuing what Lamichhane and his supporters see as unfair scrutiny.
A Victory for Sandeep and Accountability
For many, Paradygm TV's withdrawal of the video is seen as a victory for both Sandeep Lamichhane and for the cause of media accountability. By using his platform to directly confront what he perceived as a malicious attack, Lamichhane successfully rallied the support needed to hold a powerful media entity to account. The incident serves as a stark reminder to influencers and digital media houses that exploiting public figures for commercial gain will not be tolerated by a united and vigilant Nepali audience.
As Lamichhane continues his cricketing career, including recently achieving 100 T20I wickets, he has publicly expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Nepali people. His triumph over this recent media controversy further cements his status as a resilient figure in Nepali sports.
