Consider This from NPR Close to a decade after a catfishing incident, former NFL player Manti Te'o opens up
Aug 20, 2022
Manti Te'o, a former NFL player, gained notoriety as the victim of a sensational catfishing scandal that transformed his life. He shares the emotional impact of losing his grandmother and a fictitious girlfriend within hours, placing him in the media spotlight. Te'o discusses the stigma around catfishing and how it fuels shame among victims, while emphasizing the need for healing through storytelling. He reflects on personal growth and resilience from his experiences in sports and the importance of forgiveness in moving forward.
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Te'o's Tragic Loss
- In 2012, Manti Te'o's grandmother and girlfriend seemingly died hours apart.
- He dedicated his football season to them, garnering public sympathy and media praise.
The Catfishing Revelation
- Te'o's girlfriend was a hoax, a case of catfishing, making him a victim of online deception.
- The incident, revealed by Deadspin reporter Tim Burke, shifted public perception of Te'o from hero to target of ridicule.
Catfishing's Impact
- Catfishing significantly impacted Te'o's career, affecting his NFL draft position and overall success.
- The media's treatment of Te'o, who was the victim, highlights a lack of due diligence and a tendency to assume the worst.