Hanks Anuku Clears the Air: ‘I’m Not a Madman’ – Actor Speaks Out After Viral Video

Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku has finally broken his silence about a viral video from 2022 that falsely depicted him as mentally unstable.

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In a candid interview with content creator Lucky Udu, which gained attention over the weekend, Anuku explained that the footage, which showed him in tattered clothes and seemingly talking to himself, was grossly misinterpreted.

Anuku revealed that the video was taken while he was preparing for a role where he had to portray a mentally unstable character.

“I was trying to get into character for a role I was going to play, a madman role,” Anuku clarified. “To do that effectively, I needed to immerse myself in the environment where the scene was set.” The actor stressed that his actions were part of a method acting approach to deliver a convincing performance. “I was just showing the way the director wanted me to do it, meditating and getting into character,” he explained. Shortly after the video went viral, Nollywood actress Shan George came to his defense, asserting that Anuku was not mentally unstable. Despite her efforts, the video sparked widespread speculation about his mental health and personal life, leading to rumors that he was sick or on drugs.

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Anuku addressed these rumors directly in his recent interview. “They said a lot of stuff. They said I was sick, on drugs. I am not sick; I was not on drugs,” he stated firmly. “Maybe they saw me depressed, because depression can bring stress. But being on drugs, that’s not true: I am not a madman, I am very sane.”

The actor lamented the significant toll that the misinterpretation of the video had on his life. “I lost friends, producers no longer contacted me for jobs. I lost a lot of money, I lost jobs, and I was jobless,” he shared. The false portrayal led to a cascade of professional and personal setbacks, leaving Anuku feeling isolated and betrayed.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Anuku expressed his deep pain and heartbreak. “If you were in my shoes, you would feel it. I was heartbroken for these people to do this to me,” he said. Despite the challenging period, Anuku remains grateful for the support he received from a few good souls who helped him navigate through the storm.

As he moves forward, Anuku hopes to rebuild his career and clear his name. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of misinformation and the importance of understanding the context before jumping to conclusions.