She goes on to say, “If you go onto my page, you can see that after that picture things just started declining, declining, declining. So honestly, I don’t like seeing that comment that I’m reaping the benefits.

"There are no benefits. Him using my picture has tarnished my image, and it’s harder for me.”

“Imagine if that was my main source of income. I don’t know if you guys consider having followers as beneficial, but for somebody like me, I’m very introverted. Those who know me personally know that.”

Her passion lies in acting and television, but the stigma surrounding her association with the Excel account has made it challenging to build trust with brands and audiences.

"For someone like me, who’s introverted, this has been really difficult. People don’t understand how much I’ve had to explain myself, whether it’s in corporate spaces, to brands, or even in personal relationships because of this situation.

"It’s financially draining, emotionally exhausting, and I’m tired of being judged because of something I didn’t do," she said.

Coster also pointed out the absurdity of claims that she’s "enjoying the fame" brought on by the account.

"Why couldn’t he use another picture? Why should I constantly have to adjust my life to accommodate this Chris Excel person? He could’ve used a plant, but he chose my picture, knowing full well the implications of that decision," she said.

The video sparked mixed reactions across social media. Many South Africans empathised with Coster, calling for accountability and action against cyberbullying:

“Chris Excel ruined her career and life 😢😢😢.” “Why haven’t we done anything to help her, guys? This is so upsetting.”

“They don’t even recognise this as a form of abuse. To them, it’s just ‘banter.’”

Others, however, accused Coster of exaggerating her plight, with some defending Excel’s actions. One user wrote: “Why are you making this about men now? Doesn’t Chris have female followers, too?”

online harassment

Bianca Coster takes a stand: the real impact of cyberbullying and identity theft on her career