The use of Bianca Coster’s photo by the controversial Chris Excel X account sparks outrage
Popular social media content creator Bianca Coster is once again in the spotlight as she pleads with the public to stop associating her with the notorious Chris Excel X account, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite her efforts, Bianca continues to face the repercussions of having her image used as the profile picture for the Chris Excel X account.
With over 3.3 million followers, the Chris Excel X account is infamous for its trolling behavior and making inflammatory remarks, often targeted at public figures.
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Bianca Coster: Struggling to shake off the association
In a heartfelt TikTok video, Bianca opened up about the financial strain and reputational damage she has endured due to the association with the Chris Excel X account.
“Why did he choose my picture? Why am I the one who has to constantly adjust my life because of this Chris Excel person?
“He could have used anything else, but he deliberately chose my image, fully aware of the consequences,” Bianca expressed her frustration.
Responding to a follower who questioned her use of the same photo as the Chris Excel account on her TikTok content, Bianca emphasized that the situation has not only impacted her financially but has also taken a toll on her personal relationships.
“The financial hit I’ve taken is significant. Whether in corporate settings or my work as an influencer, I am constantly having to justify myself. Even in my personal life, people recognize me from Twitter and ask about it. This issue is following me everywhere, and I can’t escape it,” she shared.
Meanwhile, the Chris Excel X account has made slight alterations to its display picture, attempting to differentiate it from the original photo of Bianca.
As per the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the unauthorized use of someone’s image on social media can breach their privacy rights, as an individual’s image is considered personal information under the Act.
While there is more flexibility with images in public spaces, consent is still essential in private settings or for commercial purposes. The Act stipulates that exemptions may apply if the information is already public or forms part of a public record.
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