In a candid statement that’s set social media ablaze, popular Nollywood actor Bright Chimezie has shut down swirling rumors about his personal life, assuring fans that his recent online activity was all a misunderstanding—and not the result of a hacked account.
The 32-year-old star, best known for his roles in hit films like The Wedding Party and Sugar Rush, took to Instagram on Thursday to clarify the speculation. “I have not spoken to my American girlfriend, my Instagram was not hacked, and I will clean the tattoo,” Chimezie wrote in a post that’s since garnered over 50,000 likes and sparked thousands of comments.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when a series of cryptic posts appeared on Chimezie’s verified Instagram account, seemingly referencing a mysterious American girlfriend and featuring a fresh tattoo of what fans speculated was a heart intertwined with the American flag. Whispers of a cyber intrusion quickly spread, with some accusing hackers of trying to tarnish the actor’s squeaky-clean image. Others dove deeper into his dating history, linking it to his high-profile breakup with singer Teni last year.
Chimezie, who has largely kept his romantic life private amid his rising stardom, addressed the frenzy head-on. Sources close to the actor tell Pulse News that the posts were indeed his own—born out of a “silly prank gone wrong” with friends during a late-night shoot in Atlanta. “It was meant to be a joke for a skit, but things escalated faster than we expected,” the insider revealed. As for the tattoo? Chimezie confirmed it’s getting lasered off next week, quipping in his post, “Lesson learned: No more impulsive ink after 2 a.m. vibes.”
Fans have rallied around the star, flooding his comments with messages of support and memes. “Bright, we stan a man who owns his chaos! 😂 #NoHacksJustFacts,” one user wrote, while another added, “American girlfriend who? Focus on that next blockbuster, king!” The incident has also reignited discussions about celebrity privacy in the age of social media, with many praising Chimezie’s transparency.
Neither Chimezie’s team nor his ex, Teni, has commented further on the matter. With his upcoming role in the action thriller Shadows of Lagos set for release next month, the actor seems unfazed, already teasing behind-the-scenes glimpses on his Stories.