- Hanks Anuku's viral video sparked false rumors of mental instability.
- The video was actually from a movie set, where he was preparing for a role.
- The rumors cost him his career, friendships, and job offers.
- Anuku hopes his experience will warn others about the dangers of rumors and speculation.
Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku has spoken out about the devastating effects of a viral video that falsely portrayed him as mentally unstable. The video, which emerged in 2022, showed Anuku talking to himself and wearing shabby clothes, leading many to question his mental state and speculate about his well-being.
The video sparked widespread concern and rumors, with many assuming that Anuku was struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse. However, Nollywood actress Shan George quickly refuted the claims, stating that Anuku was not mentally unstable and that the video was taken out of context.
In a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu, Anuku clarified that the footage was actually from a movie set, where he was preparing for a role that required him to portray a mentally unstable person. He explained that he was simply immersing himself in the environment to perfect his performance and get into character.
Anuku stated, “I was trying to get into character for a role I was going to play, a madman role. I had to visit the environment to get into character. I was just showing the way the director wanted me to do it, meditating and getting into character.” He emphasized that he was not actually experiencing any mental health issues or instability.
Despite George’s initial defense of Anuku, the rumors and speculation continued to spread, with many assuming the worst about his mental state. Anuku refuted rumors that he was on drugs and not stable, stressing that he was very sane and only experiencing depression and stress due to the situation.
The actor lamented the consequences of the video, saying it cost him his career, friendships, and job offers. He shared, “I lost friends, producers no longer contacted me for jobs. I lost a lot of money, I lost jobs, and I was jobless. People did not care about me.” He expressed his hurt and betrayal at the way he was treated by the industry and the public.
Anuku also shared that he felt abandoned by his colleagues and peers, who failed to support him or defend him against the rumors. He stated, “I was heartbroken for these people to do this to me. I thought they were my friends, but they didn’t care.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, Hanks Anuku expressed his gratitude to God for seeing him through the difficult time. He said, “It was God who directed my footsteps to a good soul,” referring to the support he received from a few close friends and family members.
The actor hopes that his experience will serve as a warning to others about the dangers of rumors and speculation. He emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing or believing it, and the need for greater empathy and support in the industry.
Hanks Anuku’s story highlights the devastating consequences of false rumors and speculation, and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. His courage in speaking out about his experience serves as a reminder of the need for greater understanding and support in the industry and beyond.
