Popular social media content creator and actress Bianca Coster has once again spoken out about the emotional and professional toll of having her image misused by the controversial X (formerly Twitter) account, Chris Excel. The account, which boasts over 3.3 million followers, has long used Bianca’s face as its profile image while posting derogatory, controversial, and often misogynistic commentary.
In a heartfelt TikTok video recently shared on her page, Bianca revealed the deep consequences of this unwanted association. “I used to work with phenomenal brands like Vaseline, MTN, and Darling Hair. I was doing television adverts; I had a lot going on for me before Chris Excel used my picture,” she explained. “After he started using that picture, things just started declining.”
Loss of Professional Opportunities
Coster says the shift in how brands and the public perceive her has led to a significant decline in career opportunities. Despite having built a professional image and personal brand rooted in creativity and professionalism, she now finds herself having to justify and defend her identity wherever she goes.
“Why should I constantly shift and change my life to accommodate this Chris Excel person?” she asked. “He could have used any other picture—he could’ve used a plant. But he chose mine, knowing the consequences of that decision.”
Bianca Coster
Public Misunderstanding and Daily Struggles
Bianca also addressed the misconception that her image being associated with a viral account has somehow worked in her favor. While some social media users believe her familiar face has granted her more exposure and opportunities, she strongly refuted this.
“There’s no benefit to him using my picture,” she said. “He’s actually tarnished my image, and it’s made things harder for me.” Bianca added that she frequently has to explain herself to brands, clients, and strangers who recognize her and unfairly associate her with the offensive content posted by the Chris Excel account.
“This thing is after me. It’s hovering over me. I can’t get away from it, and still you guys come into my comments, insult me, and call me all sorts of names as if I deserve this.”
She concluded her video with a heartfelt plea: “All I ask is for my picture to please not be used, respectfully and gracefully.”
Legal Avenues for Recourse
The issue has raised important legal questions about identity misuse and online harassment. Legal expert Ulrich Roux weighed in during an interview with eNCA, stating that Coster is well within her rights to pursue legal action.
“This is a form of cyberbullying, it is an infringement of the Cyber Crimes Act, and it’s also a form of harassment,” Roux explained. He said Coster could apply for a court order to stop Chris Excel from using her images. However, the anonymous nature of the account complicates matters.
“While it is easier said than done, one can obtain specialists or forensic experts to trace the IP address and physical location of the person behind the account. Once identified, Bianca can obtain interdictory relief through the high court.”
A Larger Conversation on Digital Consent
Bianca’s experience highlights broader concerns around digital consent, identity protection, and accountability in the social media space. As influencers, public figures, and everyday users increasingly find their images and personal data misused online, the need for stricter enforcement and legal remedies continues to grow.
For Bianca, the fight is not just about reclaiming her image—it’s about setting a precedent that online anonymity does not equal immunity from accountability.
