Charles EstherSouth African content creator and actress Bianca Coster has spoken out about the emotional and professional distress she’s endured after her image was used without consent by the controversial Twitter (X) account known as Chris Excel.
For years, the Chris Excel account has operated under a pseudonym while using Coster’s face as its public profile — all without her knowledge or permission.
Now, Coster is sharing how this long-running impersonation has taken a serious toll on her personal life, mental health, and career.
The Face of a Persona She Never Created
Chris Excel is widely known across South African social media for his unfiltered commentary and satirical takes on current events, relationships, and public figures.
But behind the viral tweets and sharp humour lies a deeply troubling issue — the unauthorized use of Bianca Coster’s identity.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Coster revealed how people often mistake her for the person behind the Chris Excel account, leading to harassment, mockery, and deep emotional harm.
“Over the past few years, I’ve been ridiculed, insulted, and just downright tormented because of the Chris Excel account on Twitter,” she wrote.
She added that the damage to both her and her family has been “humiliating and emotionally draining.”
Emotional Toll and Mental Health Struggles
Coster shared that the psychological impact of being misrepresented online has been profound.
She admitted to seeking therapy in order to cope with the situation and rebuild her confidence after enduring years of public scrutiny for words she never said.
“People think I am that person because they see my face and the association runs deep,” she said.
The distress also spilled into her professional life.
As an emerging actress and influencer, having her name tied to a controversial online figure has made it difficult to secure brand deals and acting roles without facing questions or backlash.
Legal Options and Calls for Accountability
Now, Bianca Coster is taking a stand.
She is exploring legal options to have her images removed from the account and to stop further impersonation.
She also called on platforms like Twitter (now X) to enforce stricter rules around identity misuse and image rights, especially for public figures and women.
“It’s not just jokes on the timeline — it’s real lives being impacted behind the scenes,” she emphasized.
Chris Excel Responds
Despite the backlash, the owner of the Chris Excel account has defended their actions, saying the profile is “a brand” and not meant to be linked to any real individual.
The user argued that the content posted does not claim to be from a woman or from Bianca herself.
Still, critics say the continued use of Coster’s image, without context or correction, fuels confusion and contributes to the harm.
Public Support and Industry Backing
Coster’s decision to speak out has sparked widespread conversation on digital ethics, online harassment, and the blurred lines between parody and impersonation.
Many South Africans — including women’s rights activists and fellow content creators — have rallied behind her, urging social media platforms to step in and enforce identity protection measures.
Musician Heavy K, who initially defended Chris Excel, has since asked the account owner to take down Coster’s image.
Rising Above the Noise
Despite everything, Bianca Coster continues to move forward.
She recently joined the cast of e.tv’s telenovela Isitha: The Enemy, showing that she’s determined to define her own narrative and not be defined by others’ misuse of her identity.
Her courage in sharing her story is now inspiring others to speak out and fight back against online abuse.
As social media continues to evolve, Coster’s experience serves as a stark reminder of how important digital consent, image rights, and empathy truly are.
