Content creator Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, is moving to New York to pursue an MBA at New York University (NYU). Even before she begins this new chapter, however, her admission has attracted speculation online. Apoorva has now addressed claims that she secured her place at the university by making a donation.
In a new Storytime video uploaded on her YouTube channel, Apoorva dismissed the rumours and spoke about the academic and professional experience she believes helped her application.
Apoorva Mukhija Reacts To NYU ‘Donation’ Claims
Apoorva said she came across posts on X suggesting that money had played a role in her admission. Rejecting the claim, she pointed to her academic record, work experience and the business she has
built through social media.
“Are you all mad? Firstly I don’t have so much money to donate and the fees here are so much that it feels like donation… and on top of that, from a B-school point of view, I have been exceptional in all my academics. I have crazy work experience. I have worked with all of the top brands in the country,” she said.
Apoorva also cited her experience in reality television and acting, along with the audiences she has built across Instagram and YouTube.
“I have done reality TV, I have acted. I have grown my Instagram and my YouTube to 4.8 Million to 1.8 Million subscribers. It is literally a business that I have been running for the last five years,” she added.
‘I Know How To Talk’
The content creator further said she employs a team and considers her interview skills another strength that helped her during the admission process.
“I have employees who work under me. I have a team that works with me. My interview skills are top notch, if you ever interview me for any job, I will get it because I know how to talk! The one thing that I know how to do is talk! So no, I am not here by giving donations,” Apoorva said.
She also revealed that NYU was the only college she applied to. Apoorva said studying abroad had already been part of her plans, but the controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent had taken a toll on her mental health. She subsequently decided to pursue the plan and secured admission to the university.
Apoorva Mukhija And The India’s Got Latent Controversy
Apoorva was among the panellists on an episode of Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent that became embroiled in controversy in February 2025. Ranveer Allahbadia faced widespread backlash over his remarks involving parents and sex during the episode.
Apoorva also attracted criticism following her confrontation with one of the contestants on the show. FIRs were subsequently filed against those involved in the controversy.
She later revealed that she had received death and rape threats following the backlash.
Apoorva Was Recently Seen On Lock Upp
Before announcing her move to New York, Apoorva was most recently seen on the reality show Lock Upp. She entered the programme for a two-week stint as an informant, with her presence intended to shake up the equations among contestants inside the house.
Her appearance came to an end before the reality show wrapped up, with Shreya Kalra eventually emerging as the winner.
Apoorva will now move to New York for her MBA at NYU. Addressing the speculation surrounding her admission, she has maintained that her academic credentials, professional experience, social media business and interview performance helped her secure the place, rejecting claims that she gained admission through a donation.
