India, June 11 -- Businessman Vijay Mallya, the former Kingfisher Airlines chief facing multiple fraud charges in India, made a rare public appearance on YouTuber Raj Shamani's podcast to share his "true factual story." The episode went viral, racking up over 22 million views in just five days. However, social media users quickly called out what many saw as an attempt to whitewash Mallya's image, given his fugitive status under Indian law.

Critics claimed the podcast episode tried to paint the former liquor baron as a victim, despite the businessman's ongoing legal battle with Indian authorities and lenders over debts exceeding Rs11,100 crore, including massive defaults to the State Bank of India (SBI).

Memes and jokes quickly spread on...