Actor Segun Arinze debunks false health claims spread on social media, calling for stronger regulations and highlighting the impact on his reputation

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has condemned the recent spread of false reports regarding his health, which he claims were used to generate social media engagement.

The 59-year-old actor addressed the matter in an interview with Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QED.ng, after rumours surfaced that he was unwell and in need of financial assistance.

The controversy began when a photo of Arinze from a movie set was shared online, accompanied by fabricated reports from bloggers claiming the actor was battling a serious illness.

These false claims quickly gained traction, with some even suggesting that Arinze required financial support.

In the interview, the actor revealed the origin of the misinformation, explaining how a woman named Sarah had posted an altered image of him. The image, initially taken by a costumier while Arinze was on set, showed him sitting down while taking a breather during filming.

The image was manipulated by removing the context that the actor was simply receiving assistance from the costumier and instead presented him as a sick individual. Sarah’s post falsely implied that the actor was suffering from a serious health issue.

“I ignored the post initially, but soon after, I began receiving calls from family, friends, and colleagues who were concerned about my well-being,” Arinze said.

“I contacted the person behind the post, asking her to remove it, but by then, the image had already been shared widely, with many spinning their own narratives around it.”

The actor’s frustration was clear when he added, “I was very angry. If I had encountered her face to face, I’m not sure what would have happened.”

The woman later apologised for her actions, but Arinze remained unconvinced, suggesting that she was merely seeking attention at his expense.

In response to the continuing spread of the rumour, Arinze took to social media to post a video clarifying his health status.

He strongly advised people against sending money to anyone claiming to be assisting him financially. The actor also highlighted the need for greater regulation of social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.

“I believe the Nigerian government needs to take this seriously through the Ministry of Communications,” Arinze stated. “There should be a way to link people’s National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to their social media profiles, so that when false news emerges, we can trace it back to the source.”

Arinze also refuted claims that the rumour was an orchestrated publicity stunt for an upcoming film, calling such suggestions “madness”. “If I wanted to promote a film, I would do it properly. I wouldn’t use sickness to get attention,” he said.

When asked whether he had considered taking legal action, the actor expressed doubts about the practicality of suing multiple individuals. “How many people can you sue? The person who started it denies it, and others claim they heard it from someone else.

It’s a never-ending cycle,” he explained. Instead, Arinze chose to leave the matter in the hands of a higher power. “If she is looking for sickness, she will get sickness,” he added.

The actor concluded by explaining the emotional toll the false health rumours had taken on him. “This isn’t just about health; it’s about the damage done by falsehoods.

These kinds of rumours can affect an individual’s reputation and even job opportunities, as directors may assume I’m genuinely sick.”

Arinze’s call for stronger social media regulations and his plea for respect for individuals’ reputations reflect the broader issues of misinformation and the consequences it can have on personal and professional lives.