Jay Shetty, the British-Indian life coach and author known for his inspirational content and best-selling book ‘Think Like A Monk’, is facing allegations of fabricating parts of his life story and plagiarising social media posts.
Born in London to Indian parents, Shetty has been a prominent figure in the realm of motivational talks and inspirational videos since 2016. His narrative, which includes spending school vacations living with monks in India and serving as a monk for three years, has been a significant part of his appeal.
However, a recent report in The Guardian has cast doubts on these claims, questioning the authenticity of Shetty’s narrative and his credibility as a self-help guru.
Inconsistencies in Shetty’s Account
Shetty, who presided over the wedding of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in 2022 and attended a White House state dinner for visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, is now under scrutiny. Despite endorsements from celebrities like Michelle Obama and Matt Damon, allegations have surfaced questioning the authenticity of Shetty’s background.
The Guardian report reveals inconsistencies in Shetty’s account of his transformative spiritual awakening during business school and years spent studying at an Indian ashram. The monk who delivered the pivotal lecture, Gauranga Das, contradicted Shetty’s claim of being 18 at the time, stating the event occurred in 2007, when Shetty would have been at least 19.
Questions Surrounding Shetty’s Time as a Monk
The investigation also suggests that Shetty’s time as a monk may not have been as extensive as portrayed, with some former associates stating that he primarily resided at an estate in London rather than fully immersing himself in Indian ashrams. Allegations also suggest that Shetty’s disconnection from society may have been exaggerated, as he was reportedly engaged in activities such as filming YouTube videos during his monk stint.
Moreover, Shetty’s association with the Iskcon, a Hindu religious organisation, has raised eyebrows, especially considering the movement’s history of controversies, including allegations of abuse.
Accusations of Plagiarism
In addition to these allegations, Shetty has faced accusations of plagiarism, with several creators claiming that he reposted their content on Instagram without permission or compensation. In 2019, Shetty removed over 100 social media posts after allegations of plagiarism surfaced online.
Scrutiny on Jay Shetty Certification School
In the realm of business, scrutiny has fallen on the Jay Shetty Certification School, a self-help course with a hefty price tag that promises a master’s degree in life coaching. The investigation reveals discrepancies in the school’s accreditation claims, with assertions that it is approved by UK regulatory bodies being called into question.
Jay Shetty has remained silent on the matter, offering no direct response to the accusations levelled against him.
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