The video, which showed Anuku wandering the streets in tattered clothing, led many to believe that the actor was experiencing a mental breakdown.

In a recent conversation, Anuku revealed that the video had caused severe damage to his life due to false rumors about his mental state and alleged drug use.

He clarified that the footage was taken while he was preparing for a movie role in which he portrayed a madman.

Anuku criticized those who filmed him without understanding the context, accusing them of irresponsibly spreading false rumors that tarnished his reputation.

Despite his efforts to assure everyone that he was perfectly fine, his family, including his twin brother and wife, believed the damaging rumors of drug addiction, leaving him feeling isolated and hopeless.

Adding to his challenges, Anuku recounted how the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) stigmatized him, and how his colleagues in the film industry ceased communicating with him and stopped offering him roles.

Despite these obstacles, Anuku shared that his resilience and unshakable faith in God helped him endure the difficult period.

He is now gradually recovering, finding solace and slowly regaining his footing in both his personal and professional life.

“That there was trying to get myself into character for a role that I was going to play; madman role, someone who isn’t in his correct senses or frame of mind. I had to go naturally and visited the environment to see how it’d play,” Anuku explained.

Reflecting on the impact of the viral video, he added, “The video circulating about me is not what it seems. The videos have really affected my life. I lost all my friends, lost all my film roles, and lost money. Nothing happened to me. I am perfectly alright.”

The actor shared on his official Instagram page his financial struggles and challenges with his mental health.

He revealed that despite his success as an entertainer and his status as a legend, he has no money in his account.

Hanks said he is unemployed and currently engages in menial activities to make ends meet.

“I have tried my best to uphold my status as an entertainer, so it’s good to let u all know what I’m going through. I have a family n will love to get all the help from u all. Kindly come to my help. I am really in need of support [sic],” he said.

He further expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fans and acknowledged their continuous support throughout his career.

This disclosure comes after he was seen in a video in an unkempt state at a fuel station, which triggered concerns among his fans.

Similar videos went viral months ago but he claimed he was on set for an upcoming movie.

Watch video below:

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A post shared by Hank Anuku (@ha1962anukuha)

The actor was captured roaming the streets while uttering inaudible statements, and his general appearance portrayed he was having issues.

Calls were made by industry stakeholders to locate and offer help, but some casts he was on set with revealed he is just fine, adding the video is a flawed image of his person.

Bringing the brouhaha to rest, Hanks has lashed out at Nigerians, advising them to find Jesus rather than dwelling on his issues.

He indicated his squalid state was part of a movie scene he was shooting, despite there being no trace of camera or even a production at the time he was spotted.

He warned persons peddling falsehood about him to leave him alone, and pray for forgiveness for their attempts to ruin his image.

The actor was spotted by the roadside seated under a street light and drinking alone.

He was smiling sheepishly while uttering inaudible words to himself as he took sips of the content of the cup he was holding.

He is believed to have been spotted in Ghana, since he announced towards the end of 2021 that he would be moving to the country because of ease and moderate living conditions.

But the fan, who spotted him, claimed he looked frail and he was almost “gone” and suggested Nigerians and other celebrities come to his aid.

After making the clarion call, other fans of the actor, who claim to have analysed the video, said he was simply intoxicated and not struggling.

They argued that siting alone at odd hours is his usual way of life, and those who are his close associates or neighbours could attest to that fact.

Watch the video below:

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“I am Hank Anuku Nollywood Actor n I’m Alive. My haters r dead n Jesus Christ is my deliverer n he liveth. Poisonous press vipers on prowl but they shall b perplexed n disappointed in Jesus’s name Amen. 1love fans,” he said.

Mr Anuku also called on the public to disregard the rumours about his death, adding that those wishing him evil would “be clothed with evil.”

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“I am live. Don’t listen to the poisonous press vipers. God is in charge of my life. But the end of the wicked must be certain, that’s what God told me,” he said.

He went on to read some scriptures in the Bible to buttress his point about those who want him dead.