Wellness influencer and bestselling author Jay Shetty, known for his book “Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day,” faces controversy amid allegations of fabricating aspects of his life story and plagiarizing social media content.
The Guardian, a British daily, revealed disparity in Shetty’s claims about his past, including assertions of spending three years in an Indian temple during his youth. Opposed to his website’s claim of immersing himself in monk teachings during school vacations, the report suggests that Shetty’s narrative may not align with reality.
Shetty abandoned a potential life of material success after graduating to pursue a monk lifestyle. However, doubts arise regarding the authenticity of his monk experience, with critics pointing to his subsequent transition back to secular life and taking undue advantage of his claimed spiritual journey for financial gain.
Shetty’s meditation startup, valued at $2 billion, and various subscription-based services have drawn scrutiny, especially considering allegations of misrepresentation in his personal narrative. The report highlights the significant fees associated with Shetty’s life-coaching school and the pathways it offers, which were quickly refuted by the institutions mentioned on its website, raising questions about the value and integrity of his offerings.
In response to the allegations, Shetty has reportedly taken steps to address content issues, deleting certain posts and engaging a crisis PR firm for damage control. However, he has not directly addressed the accusations surrounding his personal history.
The controversy has obtained mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing disbelief about Shetty’s authenticity while others express disappointment upon hearing the allegations. Despite the controversy, Shetty’s future in the wellness industry remains uncertain as survey intensifies over his alleged misrepresentation.
