Bianca Coster, The Face Impersonated By Chris Excel
The controversy centres around a Twitter account operated by Chris Excel, who describes himself as the “president of Black Twitter.” For years, Excel has used Coster’s likeness as his profile picture while posting controversial content about women and public figures.
The situation reached a boiling point when Coster posted a tearful TikTok response that amassed 43,000 views within a day.
ALSO READ: Generations Actor Thabiso Mokhethi Reveals Financial Hardships After Leaving The Show
“People say I’m benefiting from this situation – but what benefits? My career has been destroyed by this,” Coster said in the emotional clip. “Before this happened, I was working with major brands and appearing in TV commercials.”
Chris Excel really ruined Bianca Coster’s career, and everyone just sat there and laughed…damn. pic.twitter.com/qXmbGlv12i
— Melina (@NEWS_170) April 15, 2025
Bianca Coster Reveals How Her Career Was Destroyed
Coster revealed the stolen image originated from a 2020 VitaDrip campaign during what she describes as the peak of her influencer career. At the time, she earned R15,000 monthly through partnerships with household names like Vaseline, MTN, and Darling Hair.
“After that picture started circulating with his account, everything declined,” she explained. “Last year I only booked two campaigns total. This has made brands hesitant to work with me.”
The Hidden Costs of Online Harassment
Beyond financial impacts, Coster described the emotional toll of constantly explaining the situation to potential partners and acquaintances:
- Corporate opportunities lost due to mistaken associations
- Strained personal relationships from ongoing explanations
- Mental exhaustion from defending her reputation
- Career stagnation in her true passion – acting
ALSO READ: Former Sizok’thola Presenter Xolani Khumalo’s Murder Charges Withdrawn
A Call for Accountability and Change
Coster’s case underscores the urgent need for better protections against digital identity misuse. Unlike financial identity theft, current systems offer little recourse for victims of profile impersonation.
“Why should I constantly adjust my life for this person?” Coster asked. “He could have used anything else, but chose my picture knowing the damage it would cause.”
Her final plea to the public: “Please, just let me live my life.”