On May 22, 2019, AIB posted an update on their social media handles, the first ever since the team was officially dissolved on October 8, 2018. “Truthfully, we do not know what this means for the future of AIB or whether there is one,” read AIB’s official statement on October 8. The newly released statement announces Gurusimran Khamba’s departure from the team and Tanmay’s demotion from the CEO’s position.
An update pic.twitter.com/Jtq3nSGnwi
— All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) May 22, 2019
Gurusimran Khamba will work independently of AIB
Post allegations of sexual harassment against Khamba in October, an External committee (EC) was appointed to probe into the allegations. A senior partner at a law firm and a diversity consultant comprised the EC. Khamba withdrew himself from the investigation process because he felt the process was “replete with procedural lapses and did not follow principles of natural justice.” Khamba also issued a statement from his end last evening, in which read, “Despite my repeated requests to follow due process, these lapses continued. At this stage, I requested the committee to rescue itself and a fresh committee to be constituted. My request was denied and hence I was left with no choice but to withdraw from the enquiry.” He also added, “Till date, I maintain that I am happy to cooperate with any committee that is constituted fairly and follows principles of natural justice.” In the latter part of his statement, he announced his new venture. He wrote, “The silver lining, is, however, that through all of this, I got a chance to reflect and think about what I’m truly passionate about, who I want to work with and what I’d want the next chapter of my life to be.”
Tanmay is not the CEO of AIB anymore
AIB’s latest statement terms Tanmay’s lapse of judgement regarding Utsav Chakraborty as “egregious” and states, “Though Thanmay Bhat’s suspension has been lifted, he will no longer hold the position of CEO.” The statement also mentioned that Rohan Joshi and Ashish Shakya will continue to manage the remaining affairs at AIB, but will also be pursuing solo interests in the coming future.
Will AIB make a comeback?
AIB’s latest statement leaves its followers clueless about its comeback. “The AIB youtube channel is for all intents and purposes, dead for the foreseeable future – there will be no new sketches anytime soon,” read the statement. But the statement ends with “While we may not have a complete roadmap yet, we are sure of one thing going forward – we never want to stop entertaining. Making people laugh has been the great privilege of our lives and we hope to be able to keep doing that, in whatever new form the future holds for us.”
Also read: #MeToo: Comedian Tanmay Bhat, Khamba Out Of AIB Amid Sexual Allegations Row