Johannesburg – Social media personality Ennie Tembie Cleary, better known as Bargeoise Brazil, finds herself embroiled in a new controversy, this time involving a shocking violation of her privacy.
A scammer has created a fake profile using her details to advertise sex work on an online marketplace, a development that has left her furious and highlighting the darker side of online anonymity.
A close friend alerted Bargeoise Brazil to the fraudulent advertisement, which included her business number, name, residential area, and a picture of a stranger. The advert, which contained explicit and offensive language that prevents full reproduction here, claimed Bargeoise Brazil was available for sexual services to men of all backgrounds.
“That person created a dehumanising prostitution advert about me on a website with my business number, my name, an area I live in and a naked picture of a stranger on 15 September 2024,” she told ZiMoja.
“It’s a complete violation of my privacy and below my standards,” she added, clarifying that while she doesn’t judge sex workers, the misuse of her personal information is unacceptable and a violation of her rights under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
The website hosting the fraudulent advertisement has launched an investigation and removed the post following Bargeoise Brazil's complaint. However, she has encountered difficulties reporting the crime, citing the relative novelty of social media-related violations in South Africa’s legal system.
“I have tried to open a case, but things of this sort are hard to report as social media violation is still very new for us in South Africa,” she explained.
This highlights a gap in legal frameworks designed to address the rapidly evolving landscape of online crime.
Friends have expressed deep concern for Bargeoise Brazil's well-being, citing increased alcohol consumption, paranoia, and a reluctance to accept support.
One source, who has ceased contact due to Bargeoise Brazil's alleged volatile behaviour, stated, "I have stopped talking to her because she has become paranoid and snappy – we all know that life happens but her anger and bitterness is too much."
Another source described the futility of attempting an intervention, stating, "we can't even stage an intervention because she won't take advice from people."
The combination of grief, financial pressure, and social isolation has clearly taken a toll on her mental health.
The isolation is further compounded by a reported dwindling friendship circle. According to a source, "she hardly has any friends outside her family as most of her friends have run away because of her alleged tantrums."
This paints a picture of a woman struggling to cope with multiple stressors, leading to increased social withdrawal.
When approached for comment on these personal struggles, Bargeoise Brazil responded with anger and defensiveness, stating, "Impersonating a journalist is a criminal offence and you can be jailed for it. I can have you arrested and made an example of you like every useless person stalking me and violating my privacy. Your number is traceable. So, back off and never contact me again."
This reaction, while understandable given the intrusion into her private life, further underscores the emotional turmoil she is experiencing.
