Entertainment
Uorfi Javed Breaks Silence on ‘Expelled From Islam’ Claims: “I Am an Atheist, I Left Long Ago”
Social media doesn’t just amplify voices; it often manufactures narratives. The latest example is the storm around Uorfi Javed’s religion, identity, and name, sparked not by any institution or authority, but by a viral video made for attention. Over the weekend, claims began circulating online that Uorfi Javed had been “expelled” from Islam and renamed “Geeta Bhardwaj.” The statements were attributed to social media influencer Faizan Ansari, who released a video asserting that “Muslims” had collectively decided to disassociate her from the religion.
“I Left the Religion Long Ago”
Speaking in an exclusive interaction with IANS, Uorfi dismissed the claims as entirely fabricated.
She clarified that she does not practise Islam or any other religion and has identified as an atheist for years. According to her, the idea of being “removed” from a religion she no longer follows is logically meaningless.
Her words were pointed and intentional. She questioned who gave anyone the authority to speak on her behalf and why such statements were being manufactured without her consent or involvement.
In her response, Uorfi stated that she does not follow any religion and does not identify with religious labels. As an atheist, she explained, there is no religious space she occupies that anyone can remove her from in the first place.
Where the Controversy Began
The uproar traces back to a video posted by Faizan Ansari, who claimed that Uorfi’s statements and lifestyle had “insulted” Muslims globally. In the video, he alleged that he had written to a Maulana and announced that Uorfi was no longer a Muslim and would henceforth be referred to by a different name.
The influencer framed the announcement as a collective decision taken on behalf of the Muslim community, despite no recognised religious body, cleric, or organisation issuing any such statement.
No official authority, religious council, or community representative has supported or validated these claims.
A Pattern in the Creator Economy
This incident sits at the intersection of celebrity culture and the creator economy, where controversy often becomes currency. Uorfi Javed, known for her unapologetic public persona and non-conforming fashion choices, has long been a lightning rod for online outrage and engagement-driven commentary.
What makes this episode different is how a creator’s personal belief system was turned into viral “news” without evidence, consent, or legitimacy.
In today’s digital ecosystem, individual influencers can frame themselves as spokespersons for entire communities, even when no mandate exists. The speed at which such claims spread highlights how creators, not institutions, now shape public discourse, often without accountability.
Uorfi’s Position Remains Unchanged
Uorfi has consistently stated that she does not believe in organised religion. Her response this time reinforced that stance, while also calling out the casual misinformation that circulates online under the guise of moral policing or cultural representation.
She did not engage with the accusations emotionally. Instead, she dismantled them factually, pointing out that identities cannot be reassigned by strangers on social media.
The Larger Conversation
Beyond Uorfi Javed, the episode raises questions about who gets to speak for communities in the age of creators, and how easily personal belief systems can be weaponised for views and virality.
As creators gain influence once reserved for institutions, the responsibility that comes with that reach is increasingly under scrutiny.
For now, Uorfi Javed has made one thing clear: her beliefs are her own, and no viral video gets to rewrite them.