Cyan Boujee breaks silence on TikTok and Instagram backlash over controversial Alabuga Start programme campaign
Bulelwa Hoala

South African influencer and DJ Cyan Boujee, real name Honour Zuma, has broken her silence following backlash over her involvement in a controversial Russian campaign (Alabuga Start programme) linked to human trafficking allegations.
Speaking in a video posted on Instagram, Cyan apologised and clarified her position on the matter.
“I’ve been quiet first because I was waiting for the programme to actually release a statement on my behalf, and you know what, they’re wasting my time.
“Human trafficking is very, very serious and I do not stand with it. I believe this is a huge learning curve for me and all the other influencers,” she said.
Cyan denied accusations that she joined the campaign for money, insisting that she has not been paid.
“I want you guys to know that it wasn’t for money because I haven’t been paid yet. I had other videos to post on my YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, and I was only going to get paid after posting,” she explained.
She ended her apology by expressing her frustration, saying she would not have taken part in the campaign had she known.
“I understand how frustrated South Africans are and I apologise. I believe this is not something that will be repeated again. Thank you very much,” Cyan said.
For the full apology, watch the video below:
Online Outrage
This comes after Cyan came under fire on Monday, 25 August, for her nonchalant attitude following revelations that a since-deleted promotional video she posted on TikTok may have been a front for a human trafficking scam targeting young South African women.
She also faced criticism for an Instagram post showing herself flying first class on an Emirates flight, enjoying Dom Pérignon champagne and caviar.
Her dismissive caption, “Legs stretched, champagne poured, drama ignored,” is what angered the Instagram community the most.
Cyan was further implicated in a BBC News article also published on Monday, which reported on allegations that girls recruited through the programme were later forced to work in a weapons factory producing drones used in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has since announced that the matter is under investigation.
Cyan recently celebrated her 24th birthday and is currently on vacation in the Maldives.
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