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Influencer Claims Journalists Offered Cash for Kohli Smears
13 May
Summary
- An influencer claims journalists offered money to spread false information about Virat Kohli.
- She stated that several media outlets attempted to sensationalize a viral Instagram 'like' incident.
- The influencer believes the 'like' was accidental and Kohli did nothing wrong.
An influencer known as LizLaz has come forward alleging that several journalists attempted to bribe her with money to fabricate negative stories about cricket star Virat Kohli. This situation arose after Kohli accidentally 'liked' one of her Instagram posts, which rapidly went viral earlier this year. LizLaz, who considers Kohli her favorite cricketer, asserts that she immediately rejected these offers, emphasizing that Kohli "did nothing wrong" and that the 'like' was unintentional.
She suggested that the viral incident was likely due to Instagram's algorithm, as her content focuses on Indian culture and the Indian Premier League. LizLaz expressed disappointment that some media outlets tried to sensationalize the event and even noted the circulation of AI-generated images involving her and Kohli. She mentioned that the widespread attention, which even reached German and South African media, felt surreal, comparing it to an episode of 'Black Mirror.'
Despite the controversy, the viral fame opened professional doors for LizLaz, including offers for reality shows and brand endorsements. However, she stated her intention to only accept opportunities aligning with her values. The influencer also highlighted that the buzz contributed to a cricket match being organized in Germany where she served as an anchor, underscoring the significant impact of the incident.
