Deepinder Goyal, the Founder and CEO of Zomato, has unequivocally refuted any connection to the viral video in which a female model depicted a Zomato delivery driver while traveling through the streets of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
A verified user of X platform posted a video showing the “female model” riding a high-end motorcycle, dressed in clothing commonly linked to Zomato’s delivery personnel and carrying an empty Zomato bag.
“Indore Zomato marketing head had this idea. He hired a model to drive around with an empty zomato bag for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. Zomato is on a roll,” he said.
Nevertheless, Goyal clarified that Zomato had no involvement in this event. On X, he stated, “We don’t endorse helmet-less biking. Also, we don’t have an ‘Indore Marketing Head.’ This seems to be someone just ‘free-riding’ on our brand.”
Furthermore, Goyal emphasised, “There’s nothing wrong with women delivering food — we (Zomato) have hundreds of women who deliver food every day to earn a livelihood for their families, and we are proud of their work ethic.”
Since 2021, Zomato has been actively focused on increasing the presence of female delivery executives in its delivery team. The company initiated four significant programs aimed at improving the safety and well-being of its female delivery partners. These initiatives include compulsory self-defense training, the provision of hygiene and safety kits, the default option for contactless deliveries during late evening hours, and more.
Zomato has encountered numerous social media controversies in the past. Last year, an advertisement starring Hrithik Roshan was withdrawn following allegations that it had offended religious sensibilities.
Earlier this year, the foodtech giant found itself embroiled in a World Environment Day controversy surrounding an ad. Released on June 5th, the advertisement starred actor Aditya Lakhia, renowned for his role as ‘Kachra’ in the film ‘Lagaan.’ The ad’s focal point was a clever wordplay on ‘Kachra’ (trash), drawing connections between the character’s name in the movie and the issue of plastic waste.
Read More: Zomato under fire for ‘Casteist’ ad on World Environment Day; Legal notice issued