Hanks Anuku shares painful journey of rejection, stigmatization

Veteran actor Hanks Anuku has shared a poignant account of his ordeal following the spread of a viral video that led to his rejection and stigmatization during one of the most challenging periods of his life.

In 2022, a video surfaced showing Anuku wandering on the streets in tattered clothing, which ignited widespread concern and speculation about his well-being.

Many believed the actor was suffering from drug addiction or a mental breakdown. However, actress Shan George quickly debunked these rumors, asserting that Anuku was "not insane" as widely speculated.

Setting the record straight, Anuku, in a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu, revealed that the video was actually part of his preparation for a movie role as a madman. He explained that his appearance and behavior were an act to authentically portray a character who had lost his sanity.

“Getting into character for a role that I was going to play as a madman, someone who isn’t in his correct senses or frame of mind, required me to naturally visit the environment and see how it’d play out,” Anuku explained.

Despite his clarifications, the damage was done. Anuku's family, including his twin brother and wife, believed the false rumors, leaving him feeling isolated and hopeless. He recounted how his colleagues also turned their backs on him, ceasing communication and offering him no roles, which significantly impacted his career and personal life.

“The video circulating about me is not what it seems. The videos have really affected my life. I lost all my friends, lost all my film roles, and lost money. Nothing happened to me. I am perfectly alright,” he asserted.

Reflecting on the emotional toll, Anuku said, “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.”