Matthew Lani has apologised to Mzansi.
FAKE doctor, Matthew Lani has finally apologised to Mzansi.
He released a video on TikTok asking South Africans to forgive him for the drama he caused in 2023.
This after the 28-year-old gained popularity on TikTok as he purported to be a medical doctor. He was then arrested for impersonating a medical doctor on 28 October 2023.
However, the charges didn’t stick, which the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew on 31 October 2023.
It’s been over a year since the drama and Matthew is now apologising.
He said: “I’d like to take this moment to apologise to my followers and South Africans and people who had trusted in me. As many of us might know, last year October on my birthday, various institutions made a statement with regards to Dr Matthew.
“They revealed that Dr Matthew was not a qualified doctor, nor did he have any medical qualifications. For some people who don’t know, Dr Matthew was a persona I had started in 2021 here on TikTok,” he said.
ALSO READ | Sbo Da Poet brings Jozini to life!
Matthew said the goal with the persona he started was to educate, but lost the plot along the way.
“The goal was to educate South Africans about HIV/Aids and break the stigma since I was infected with the virus. But also, I was working within the HIV/Aids spaces.
“However, Matthew quickly gained traction and people trusted in what I told them and the advice I gave. I must admit that along the way, I got excited for the attention I was receiving that I misrepresented myself and didn’t put the best interest of the public at heart,” he said.
Matthew told Daily Sun he felt it was the right time to speak out.
“I felt South Africans needed an explanation and also an apology. So many people trusted me and I had their support,” he said.
Asked if he felt any different or better after the apology, he said: “I do feel better and also when I go live on TikTok. So many people are offering assistance and also encouraging me to rebrand and rebuild.”
Matthew said he hopes other people learn a lot from his experience.
“I’d love to see other content creators be mindful of the influence they have on their followers. And I hope they see what chasing clout can do to a person’s reputation.”
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link
0 Comments