&TV issues statement post Papon’s exit from ‘The Voice India – Kids’

A video of Papon kissing a young contestant backstage at a reality TV show, has got many up in arms. The incident, which occurred during a Facebook Live session on Tuesday night, went viral and has since resulted in the sacking of Papon as judge on the ‘The Voice India – Kids’.

Following his exit, &TV has released a statement:

“The Papon incident is unfortunate and is unequivocally condemned. The decision to not have Papon on the show has already been communicated. Anyone who fails to abide by our code of conduct will not be engaged by our network. We have faith in the judicial system to take the necessary actions that they deem fit. We have extended our full cooperation to the concerned authorities.

As a responsible broadcaster immediately after this incident was brought to our notice, an internal enquiry was initiated. Post the enquiry, instant support was extended towards the participants and their families. An on-call psychologist is available to offer counsel to the children and their parents and an external counsel has been appointed to address the situation.

We are committed to the well-being of our participants and would like to restate that a safe and secure environment is of utmost priority to us. All the parents send their children for participating in our shows with a deep level of trust. We truly value this trust and will do everything it takes to live up to this expectation.”