Nollywood icon Hanks Anuku has opened up about the significant toll a misleading viral video has taken on his career and well-being.
The video in question, which emerged in 2022, depicted Anuku in disheveled attire, seemingly conversing with himself.
This led to widespread rumors about his mental health.
Despite clarifications from his colleague Shan George, the narrative persisted, with some industry figures like filmmaker Adanma Luke suggesting Anuku was suffering from mental health issues.
This prompted the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to initiate an inquiry.
In a candid discussion with content creator Lucky Udu, Anuku addressed the controversy for the first time, clarifying that the footage was taken on a film set and was misused by individuals aiming to damage his reputation.
Anuku expressed the personal anguish the incident caused, highlighting the loss of friendships and opportunities in the film industry as a result of the misunderstanding.
“I was trying to get into character for a role I was going to play, a madman role. Someone who was not in his correct senses or right frame of mind,” Anuku said.
“So I had to go naturally visit the environment on how I would play it in that same neighbourhood. I was just showing the way the director wanted me to do it, meditating and getting into character.
“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. It was God who directed my footsteps to a good soul.
“I went through pain, if you were in my shoes you would feel it. I was heartbroken for these people to do this to me.”
