Actor Ameesha Patel has come out in support of cricketer Virat Kohli after his Instagram “like” on a post featuring a German vlogger went viral, triggering widespread trolling and online debate.
The controversy began when fans noticed that Kohli had liked a photograph of German influencer Liz Laz, originally posted by photographer Advait. The interaction, though minor, quickly gained traction on social media, with screenshots circulating widely and users speculating about the intent behind the gesture.
As the discussion intensified, Ameesha Patel was approached by paparazzi in Mumbai and asked to comment on the situation. Initially unaware of the issue, she reacted after being informed, questioning the criticism directed at the cricketer.
“Like karna kuch paap hai kya? Unki life, unka Instagram, unki marzi,” she said, dismissing the outrage as unnecessary. She added that people tend to focus on trolling rather than engaging positively, stating that appreciating someone’s work through a “like” should not be treated as a wrongdoing.
Patel also criticised the tendency of social media users to scrutinise celebrities over trivial actions. She remarked that many people engage in online trolling without reason, and that such behaviour reflects poorly on digital culture rather than on the individual being targeted.
The incident is the latest in a series of similar episodes involving Kohli’s social media activity. In 2025, the cricketer had faced a comparable situation after liking a post by actor Avneet Kaur, which also went viral and led to speculation. At the time, Kohli had clarified that the interaction was unintentional and possibly triggered by an algorithmic glitch.
In the current case, Kohli has not issued any statement, and reports suggest that the post was later “unliked.” However, the moment had already gained significant traction, turning into a meme fest and drawing reactions from fans and commentators alike.
The viral interaction also brought attention to Liz Laz, who became an overnight talking point among Indian social media users. The influencer later reacted to the situation, describing the attention as unexpected and suggesting that the incident may have been blown out of proportion.
Patel’s defence has resonated with a section of users online, with many agreeing that the reaction to the “like” was excessive. Others, however, continued to debate the implications of celebrity interactions on social media, particularly given Kohli’s high-profile public image.
The episode highlights how even routine online activity by public figures can quickly escalate into a larger discussion, driven by fan engagement and digital scrutiny. It also underscores the role of social media in amplifying minor actions into viral moments.