Sunny Leone Gracefully Defiant in Porn Shaming CNN-IBN Interview

Sunny Leone Gracefully Defiant in Porn Shaming CNN-IBN Interview

MUMBAI — Former adult star Sunny Leone, whose upcoming Bollywood sex comedy "Mastizaade" barely survived India's censorship board, remained dignified and unapologetic in the face of scathing questions from news anchor Bhupendra Chaubey on CNN-IBN's talk show "The Hot Seat."  

Rather than exploring Leone's role in "Mastizaade," which releases on Jan. 29, or talking about her other mainstream Bollywood achievements, Chaubey subjected Leone to a televised inquisition about her earlier career as a porn actress.

The 30-minute interview first aired on Jan. 15, during which Chaubey became visibly exasperated as Leone refused time and time again to express regret about her decision to star in adult films. Chaubey was relentless in his crusade for a confession, for some inkling of contrition from Leone, asking her the same question in multiple guises:

"Do you not sometimes get affected that your past, the past that you were a ‘porn queen’, will continue to haunt you? Or maybe it will continue to pull you back?" 

"I wonder, and pardon me if I am being offensive here, how many people would think in terms of growing up to be a porn star?" 

"You would still do the kind of shoots, the kind of work you used to do, before you came into Bollywood?"

"Is your past now literally, figuratively a thing of the past now? Is that something that you think about? I began by asking you if you had any regrets, and you spoke about your mother, and if I was to turn the clock back, would you still do what you did?"

"Atul Anjan, who happens to be a member of parliament of the CPI, has consistently gone on record, and mind you, he is not the only one, the way he holds you responsible for corrupting Indian minds, Indian morality. When these kinds of comments are made, how do you react?"

“There are some viewers of mine who are saying that your identity remains that of your past, which is your association with pornography, and porn stuff. They believe that you are not an actor, still not an actor, some are accusing you of lowering the level of the fine art of cinema. Is that a just criticism?”

“A lot of 'chatterati' that takes place, you see a Sunny Leone film, and you get morally corrupted. I am wondering whether I am getting morally corrupted because I am interviewing you.”

On and on, the litany of barbed questions and insults went. Yet, with rarified grace, Leone prevailed. Her reasoned responses danced elegantly and deftly through the mudslinging, as she emerged unstained.

"Everything that I have done in my life has led me to this seat," Leone said. "Everything is a stepping stone… I met an agent, and when I saw these photos of these women, I didn’t think it is vulgar. I didn’t think it is wrong. I thought it was beautiful and sexy. They are free, and they are doing what they want to do."

After the interview, she was showered with an outpouring of support on social media, while Chaubey was publicly decried and ridiculed for his unprofessional witchhunt. Leone expressed gratitude for the positive response in a Facebook video viewed over 1 million times.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Show More