Australian YouTuber Pete Z records life in Dharavi, his viral vlog draws criticism over poverty portrayal
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Introduction
So, you’ve probably seen those headlines all over social media: “Poverty Tourism or Content Creation? Pete Z’s Dharavi Vlog Sparks Outrage.” It’s wild how quickly things blew up. As someone who’s followed digital trends for years, I’ve rarely seen a travel vlog create this much debate. Pete Z, an Australian YouTuber known for his “extreme challenges,” set the internet on fire by sharing his experience living in Dharavi, Mumbai—one of the world’s largest slums. What started as just another travel documentary soon became a hotbed for ethical controversy and conversations about how we tell stories online.
Who is Pete Z?
Let me give you the rundown: Pete Z (Pete Zogoulas) isn’t new to risky or viral content. With over 262K YouTube subscribers, he’s built a brand around “crazy things” and survival-style vlogs. But this time, the attention he got was anything but universally positive. His past videos span from urban survival to food challenges, but the Dharavi video, in particular, struck a nerve not just in India, but worldwide.
Inside the Dharavi Vlog
The controversial vlog dropped in late September 2025. In the video, Pete spends three days inside Dharavi, navigating narrow alleys, meeting residents, sleeping in cramped quarters, and openly expressing his discomfort at the “challenging” conditions. He’s joined by Ayushi, an Indian friend he admits he paid to be part of the shoot. From the start, the framing feels like a high-stakes “survival” challenge, with dramatic shots showing crime, poverty, and minimal living comforts.
What really fueled the anger? Pete titled the video “Surviving India’s Deadliest Slum” and the opening scene is—quite sensationally—a woman being robbed. There’s no sugarcoating it: the video goes heavy on highlighting harsh realities. While a few viewers felt the footage was an “eye-opening look at urban poverty,” the vast majority were quick to point out that Pete’s approach was more spectacle than sensitivity.
The Online Backlash: Outrage and Ethical Questions
The internet didn’t hold back. Social media quickly erupted with criticism, calling out Pete for what’s now being labeled “poverty tourism.” Here’s a quick look at the main arguments, according to popular sentiment:
Criticisms
Examples from Social Media
Sensationalism
“Dharavi is not your amusement park.”
Negative Stereotyping
“You’re making people think all of India is like this.”
“He focuses on crime and poverty to get more views.”
One comment summed it up well: “This video helps nobody but yourself—it’s just for views.” Another user simply asked, “Why was this needed?” That sentiment echoed again and again. I watched Pete’s Instagram reel rack up 146K views in just weeks—proof that outrage can drive engagement, for better or worse.
Debate: Raising Awareness or Exploiting Poverty?
Here’s where it gets interesting. There’s a growing divide in how people view “poverty tourism” and content creation. Some argue that vlogs like Pete’s shed vital light on issues otherwise ignored; others believe this approach only commodifies hardship, benefiting creators, not communities.
A few voices from the Indian community acknowledged that the video at least highlighted living realities that might help direct aid or attention. But most argued strongly that Pete’s narrative lacked context—what about the resilience, creativity, and culture of Dharavi? It’s not just a place of misery, after all!
Anecdotes from Social Media
Scrolling through the comment sections and Twitter threads, I noticed some recurring stories. For example, several viewers shared that living in India is “chaotic, yes, but also filled with warmth, color, and community.” One NRI compared chores in the US with the communal, lively messiness of Mumbai life—“India is a lot chaotic, but still, it has its own charm”.
Meanwhile, locals pointed out that Pete, and others like him, need to “show the other sides of India too.” It was clear that many took the portrayal personally, as if their entire country or city was reduced to just struggle and squalor.
Looking at Poverty Tourism vs. Content Creation
It’s easy for this debate to get emotional, but at its core is a question that every digital creator should probably ask: is it possible to tell uncomfortable truths without sensationalizing or stripping dignity from those being filmed?
Poverty Tourism
Content Creation
Exploits poverty for clicks/views
Aims to share stories, educate, inspire
Focuses on sensational/difficult realities
Seeks balance, context, human stories
Often lacks local perspective or consent
Strives for community inclusion
Leaves lasting negative stereotypes
Encourages deeper understanding
I get it, content is king, but surely so is empathy. There’s a thin line between raising awareness and exploiting suffering—and sometimes, it’s all about the intent and execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Pete Z and why is he controversial?
Pete Z is an Australian travel vlogger whose Dharavi video was accused of promoting poverty tourism and clickbait ethics.
Q2: Why did his Dharavi vlog spark outrage?
Most critics felt that the vlog focused solely on poverty and crime, promoting negative stereotypes about India and its communities.
Q3: What is “poverty tourism” and how does it apply here?
Poverty tourism refers to visiting and filming poor areas for entertainment or profit, often without proper consent or local involvement. Pete Z’s video is considered by many as a prime example.
Q4: Has Pete Z responded to the criticism?
As of now, Pete Z has not posted a detailed response to the controversy, but viewers continue to flood his social channels with feedback.
Q5: Are videos like this ever justified?
Some believe such content can raise important questions about poverty; others think it risks exploiting vulnerable communities for fame.
Ovais Mirza, a seasoned professional blogger, delves into an intriguing blend of subjects with finesse. With a passion for gaming, he navigates virtual realms, unraveling intricacies and sharing insights. His exploration extends to the realm of hacking, where he navigates the fine line between ethical and malicious hacking, offering readers a nuanced perspective. Ovais also demystifies the realm of AI, unraveling its potential and societal impacts. Surprisingly diverse, he sheds light on car donation, intertwining technology and philanthropy. Through his articulate prose, Ovais Mirza captivates audiences, fostering an intellectual journey through gaming, hacking, AI, and charitable endeavors.
Disclaimer: The articles has been written for educational purpose only. We don’t encourage hacking or cracking. In fact we are here discussing the ways that hackers are using to hack our digital assets. If we know, what methods they are using to hack, we are in very well position to secure us. It is therefore at the end of the article we also mention the prevention measures to secure us.
