After photos and a video of him posing nude leaked and were circulated on social media in the country, Zambian-born Black Panther actor Patrick Shumba Mutukwa has apologised in a statement released by Shumba’s publicist, Larrissa Long.
Controversial pictures and videos were leaked online of Shumba posing with just his underwear. But his publicist who acknowledged the authenticity of the pictures and video, said they were reportedly leaked by a blackmailer and has since explained that snippets of the pornographic film being shared was made for his girlfriend in 2014.
The US based actor who was born in Lusaka, was a Border Tribe warrior and also worked as a dialects and accents assistant in the Marvel movie that has since become a box office hit.
He was last month celebrated as a role model in his home country, giving motivational talks to the youth, with the blessing of the strict ministry of national guidance and religious affairs.
The statement reads that, “what he did in his past has nothing to do with what he’s accomplished and will continue to accomplish. He has strong pride in Zambia and works hard to make the country and its citizens proud,”
“He is not now, nor was he ever a gay porn actor,” Long told BBC Africa.
The actor also took to social media to share a poetic apology to his disappointed fans.
‘‘An apology. It’s the only thing I have left to offer. No fancy words, no excuses. Apology to the people hurt by my past mistakes. I can promise you, I am far removed from that man.’ He said.
Homosexuality, as in most African countries, is strongly frowned upon and is illegal in Zambia.
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