Keyaa Kunal Banerji became an overnight social media sensation after producing one of the standout lifts of her young powerlifting career. But the attention that followed her silver-medal performance in South Africa soon took an unsettling turn, according to the Indian athlete.
The 21-year-old has spoken about being subjected to sexual harassment, impersonation and the unauthorised use of AI-generated images featuring her likeness.
140kg Lift Makes Indian Powerlifter Go Viral
Banerji competed in the Junior Women's 47kg category at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa. Her biggest moment came in the deadlift, where she successfully lifted 140kg — a feat that quickly spread across social media platforms.
The lift earned her a silver medal and catapulted her into the spotlight. However, the online fame came with a dark side. As her follower count grew, so did unwanted attention.
Sexual Harassment and Impersonation: The Dark Side of Viral Fame
Banerji revealed that she has been dealing with sexual harassment from online users. The situation escalated further when she discovered that fake accounts were impersonating her, using her name and photos without permission.
Perhaps most concerning is the unauthorised use of AI-generated images featuring her likeness. These images were created and shared without her consent, adding another layer of distress to an already difficult situation.
"The attention that followed her silver-medal performance in South Africa soon took an unsettling turn." — Original Story
For a young athlete at the start of her career, this kind of online abuse can be overwhelming. Banerji's decision to speak publicly about these experiences highlights a growing problem faced by many athletes who gain sudden fame through social media.
Our Take: Athletes Deserve Better Protection Online
To put it plainly, this story is about more than one athlete's difficult experience. It shows how quickly online admiration can turn into harassment, especially for young women in sports.
Banerji's talent earned her a silver medal and recognition — that should be the story. Instead, she has to deal with harassment, fake accounts, and AI-generated images she never approved. This is not acceptable.
In our view, social media platforms need to do more to protect athletes from impersonation and non-consensual image use. Fans also have a responsibility to treat athletes with respect, both in person and online.
Keyaa Kunal Banerji is a champion powerlifter. She deserves to be celebrated for her 140kg deadlift and her silver medal — not subjected to harassment. Her courage in speaking out should remind us all that behind every viral moment is a real person with real feelings.
