On November 7, Tyler Oliveira posted a detailed note on X (formerly Twitter) explaining why he decided to cancel his documentary’s release. (Photo: Screengrab)
American YouTuber Tyler Oliveira, who recently sparked controversy after participating in India’s “Poop-Throwing Festival,” has now announced that he will not release the planned documentary. The content creator claimed that he and his family received thousands of threats from Indians following the teaser release of his video on the Gorehabba cow-dung festival held in Karnataka.
On November 7, Tyler Oliveira posted a detailed note on X (formerly Twitter) explaining why he decided to cancel his documentary’s release. He said that the situation became overwhelming after facing intense backlash online.
He wrote, “After much consideration, I have decided I will NOT be releasing my documentary capturing India’s poop-throwing festival…I have been doxxed, and threatened by thousands of Indians over the last 2 weeks.”
Tyler admitted that participating in the event turned out to be a mistake. Calling it “the worst decision” of his life, he said, “I severely underestimated the power of India.” The YouTuber also mentioned that the threats were not limited to him but extended to his family members.
Oliveira had earlier shared short clips on social media showing his participation in the Gorehabba festival, where people throw and smear cow dung on each other as part of a local ritual. The teasers, however, received a strong reaction from many Indians who accused him of disrespecting their culture and beliefs.
Following the backlash, Tyler said, “I just wanted to participate in this unusual poop-throwing festival and share it for the world to see.” He also wrote that his family was “attacked in ways I never could have imagined,” and that he no longer wanted to engage in a fight that “simply isn’t worth it.”
He concluded his post by appealing, “I ask that all Indians reading this please leave my family alone.”
The Gorehabba festival is an annual tradition celebrated after Diwali in Gumatapura village of Karnataka, near the Tamil Nadu border. The festival is part of local rituals dedicated to Beereshwara Swamy, a village deity believed to have been born in cow dung.
To celebrate, locals playfully throw and smear cow dung on each other, symbolizing good fortune, fertility, and blessings. The event attracts attention for its unique and unusual nature and is also observed in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where similar traditions—like Pidakala War in Kurnool—are held.
Tyler Oliveira is known for making adventurous and experimental videos for his YouTube channel. However, this time, his attempt to showcase an Indian cultural festival backfired. The YouTuber now says he wants to move on and focus on other projects.
His decision to cancel the video has reignited discussions about cultural sensitivity, online harassment, and the challenges faced by global creators filming in other countries.
