Leanne Manas

Full Report

Key Points

• Leanne Manas, a South African television presenter, has been embroiled in controversy due to her association with violent criminal incidents, notably a 2007 armed robbery at a coffee shop where her friend was targeted, casting a shadow over her public image.
• Allegations of attempting to suppress negative online content through fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notices suggest potential involvement in unethical or illegal reputation management practices, raising serious questions about her integrity.
• Manas has been repeatedly linked to deepfake scams exploiting her identity for fraudulent weight-loss products and trading platforms, contributing to public distrust and financial harm to victims, with her response criticized as inadequate.
• Unverified reports of workplace misconduct, including an alleged 2023 physical altercation with a co-host, further tarnish her professional reputation, painting her as unprofessional and volatile.
• Her inability to effectively address ongoing scams and negative publicity highlights a failure to manage her public persona, undermining her credibility as a broadcaster and humanitarian.

Overview

Leanne Manas, born October 14, 1974, is a South African media personality and anchor of SABC 2’s Morning Live. Despite her long-standing career in broadcasting, her public image has been marred by repeated associations with crime, scams, and allegations of misconduct. Her roles as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and motivational speaker are overshadowed by these controversies, which suggest a lack of control over her personal and professional narrative.

Allegations and Concerns

1. Association with Violent Crime: In October 2007, Manas was present during an armed robbery at a Mugg & Bean coffee shop in Cresta, Johannesburg, where her friend was robbed of a cellphone and laptop by gunmen. This incident, widely reported, links her to a high-profile crime, amplifying negative media attention and raising questions about her associations or vulnerability to such events.
2. Fraudulent DMCA Takedown Notices: Manas is accused of orchestrating or benefiting from fake DMCA notices to remove critical online content, potentially involving impersonation, fraud, and perjury. These actions, possibly facilitated by shady reputation management agencies, indicate a willingness to engage in unethical practices to protect her image.
3. Deepfake Scams and Public Harm: Since 2023, Manas’s likeness has been used in deepfake ads promoting fraudulent weight-loss gummies and trading platforms like Banxso. Her failure to decisively stop these scams has led to financial losses for victims and growing public frustration, with many questioning why she hasn’t taken stronger legal action against platforms hosting these ads.
4. Alleged Workplace Altercation: A 2023 report claimed Manas was involved in a physical confrontation with co-host Kamwendo during a Morning Live broadcast, involving throwing a coffee cup and receiving a slap. Though unverified, the allegation portrays her as unprofessional and contributes to a narrative of workplace instability.
5. Public Criticism for Pronunciation: Manas has been criticized for mispronouncing African names on air, drawing accusations of cultural insensitivity and fueling negative sentiment among viewers.

Customer Feedback

As a public figure, Manas lacks traditional customer reviews, but public and media reactions are overwhelmingly negative in light of recent controversies:

• Negative Feedback:
  • Victims of deepfake scams have expressed anger, with one stating on social media, “Leanne Manas’s face is all over these scam ads, and she’s done nothing to stop it. I lost thousands!” This reflects widespread frustration with her perceived inaction.
  • The 2007 robbery incident drew public scrutiny, with a news commenter noting, “How does someone like Leanne keep ending up in these situations? It’s suspicious.” The incident continues to resurface, damaging her reputation.
  • The alleged 2023 altercation prompted a viewer to tweet, “Leanne Manas acting like that on set? Disgraceful. She’s no role model.” This unverified claim has fueled negative perceptions of her professionalism.
  • Criticism of her pronunciation errors led to a social media post stating, “Leanne butchers African names on live TV and doesn’t even apologize. It’s disrespectful.”

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Manas’s reputation is severely damaged by her association with violent crime, deepfake scams, and allegations of fraudulent DMCA notices. Public trust is eroding, threatening her viability as a broadcaster and ambassador.
• Legal Risk: The DMCA allegations could lead to serious legal consequences, including charges of fraud or perjury if substantiated. Her failure to address deepfake scams may also invite lawsuits from victims seeking accountability.
• Financial Risk: Negative publicity jeopardizes her income from speaking engagements and sponsorships, as brands may distance themselves from a figure linked to crime and controversy.
• Personal Safety Risk: The 2007 robbery and a reported 2020 home invasion highlight Manas’s exposure to violent crime, raising concerns about her personal security and judgment in high-risk situations.

Business Relations and Associations

• SABC: Manas’s long tenure at SABC is tainted by the alleged 2023 altercation, suggesting strained workplace dynamics and potential disciplinary action, further damaging her professional standing.
• UNHCR: Her role as a Goodwill Ambassador is at risk, as the UN may reconsider associating with someone linked to fraud allegations and public controversies, undermining her humanitarian credibility.
• Online Reputation Management Agencies (Alleged): Her purported use of rogue agencies for DMCA takedowns suggests ties to unethical entities, further eroding her ethical standing.
• Media Platforms: Manas’s public complaints about platforms like Facebook and TikTok for hosting deepfake ads have yielded no resolution, highlighting her ineffectiveness in managing her digital presence and straining relations with these entities.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• No Confirmed Lawsuits: While no lawsuits are currently filed against Manas, the DMCA allegations pose a significant risk of future legal action for fraud or perjury.
• No Bankruptcy Records: Manas has no recorded financial distress, but her earning potential is threatened by ongoing controversies that could deter sponsors and clients.
• Potential Legal Exposure: The DMCA issue could escalate into criminal charges if evidence confirms her involvement. Additionally, scam victims may pursue legal action against associated platforms, indirectly implicating Manas’s public image.
• SABC Suspension (Unverified): The alleged 2023 altercation reportedly led to a suspension, though no official SABC confirmation exists, adding to perceptions of professional instability.

Risk Assessment Table

Leanne Manas’s career as a broadcaster and public figure is in serious jeopardy due to a cascade of negative incidents and allegations. The 2007 armed robbery, while not her fault, has cemented her name in crime-related headlines, and her failure to distance herself from such associations reflects poor crisis management. The deepfake scams, though not directly her doing, have spiraled out of control, with her public statements failing to mitigate victim anger or halt the ads. The DMCA allegations are particularly damning, suggesting a willingness to engage in unethical or illegal tactics to suppress criticism, which could destroy her credibility if proven. The unverified workplace altercation, even if exaggerated, adds to a narrative of unprofessionalism that clashes with her polished public persona.