Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has debunked widespread rumours claiming he is battling a terminal illness, describing the reports as false and malicious.
The speculation gained momentum after a video showing the actor looking noticeably frail surfaced on social media and quickly went viral.
The clip sparked concern among fans and colleagues, with many expressing fears about his health and well-being.
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Responding to the rumours, Duru shared a video on his Instagram page, assuring supporters that he is not suffering from any life-threatening illness.
The veteran actor stated that the claims were completely unfounded and insisted that he had never been as ill as portrayed in the circulating video.
“My dear fans, greetings to you all. Thank you all for always being there for me with your prayers and your wishes. As you all know, I wish you all the same,” he said.
Addressing the viral reports directly, Duru condemned those behind the misinformation, accusing them of spreading negativity for attention and online engagement.
“I’m making this video in regard to a very wicked video circulating around about me being sick to that very level you can see in the video,” he stated.
“I have never been that sick and would never be that sick. And by God’s grace, I will keep being stronger and stronger.”
The actor further described the rumours as the handiwork of individuals who thrive on creating fear and negativity online.
According to him, some content creators and social media users deliberately spread false narratives about public figures in a bid to attract traffic and generate engagement.
“That video is the handiwork of merchants of darkness and wickedness, those who sit and concoct negativity for people. They just don’t want to see people rise or believe in people’s success, all in the course of driving traffic,” he said.
Duru urged fans not to be misled by the reports and stressed that his video should serve as proof that he is healthy and capable of addressing the public himself.
“This is just to let you people know that this is me talking to you. Anything beyond this is their business. Thank you so much for your concerns. I love you all,” he added.
Despite his clarification, the actor’s appearance in the video became a topic of discussion among fans, many of whom expressed concern about his noticeable weight loss and perceived weakness.
Several followers flooded the comment section with messages of support, prayers, and observations about his physical condition.
One user, identified as sunperfct, wrote: “You’re looking so slim and sound weak. Divine healing upon you sir. We will not lose you in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Another commenter, stellaseptemberamare, questioned whether the actor might still be dealing with undisclosed health challenges.
“But you look sick or is it me? I pray God gives you healing in any area where you need it,” the user wrote.
Similarly, noni_stan1 expressed concern while praying for the actor’s strength and recovery.
“Ahanna, whatever thing you are going through, I pray your God heals you. To me, you don’t look strong, but your God will give you strength to overcome everything. I love you so much,” the fan commented.
The mixed reactions highlight the growing challenge celebrities face in addressing rumours in the digital age, where viral content can quickly shape public perception.
While Duru has firmly denied claims that he is battling a terminal illness, the concern expressed by fans underscores the affection and admiration many Nigerians have for the actor, whose career has spanned decades in the country’s film industry.
Known for his memorable performances in Nollywood classics and contemporary productions, Francis Duru remains one of the industry’s most respected figures. His reassurance appears to have eased the fears of many supporters, although discussions about his appearance continue across social media platforms.
For now, the actor has maintained that he is healthy and focused on moving forward, urging fans to ignore false reports and continue supporting him with their prayers and goodwill.
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