Prominent content creator accused of allegedly sexually grooming a teenager
Image: Instagram.
A Cape Town TikTok user and mother has alleged that her son had been sexually groomed by well-known content creator known as Lance D Richards.
Prior to the incident coming to light, Richards shared a video on Instagram on July 27, saying that he will be taking a break from social media.
Meanwhile, the mother, known as @LifeWithLinzy, shared her account of what happened only days ago, and it quickly garnered close to 340K views on the platform.
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Reflecting on her journey which started during the pandemic, Linzy explained how the online world became a source of comfort for her.
"Like many of us, I found comfort in online creators, people who made us laugh when the world felt heavy. This one man (Richards) in particular had a big following, was hilarious, relatable and human."
She said their digital connection evolved into a personal relationship, and they eventually met in 2021.
"Over time we connected, first online, then in a conversation, and eventually we built what felt like a real relationship. We shared stories, encouraged one another, and supported each other's platforms. I introduced him to my son, and in 2021 we met in person."
She recounted, 'What started as online fun turned into inappropriate sexual messages sent to my teenage son.'
She revealed that these interactions began subtly, often during drunken calls, escalating to sexual conversations that her son struggled to comprehend.
"In the beginning, it was calls, especially when he was drunk, first subtle, then disturbing. My son didn't even know how to process it at that time; he thought maybe he (Richards) was joking, but it got worse. By the time my son was 19, the messages became explicit.
"I have proof, screenshots and I will be sharing them because the truth matters. So why bring it here to TikTok? Because I met him on this platform and because he has a large audience who deserves to know the truth. I tried to handle this privately, but they weren't men enough to face me. Instead they tried to gaslight me."
She said that Richards and his husband used her son's sexuality as an "excuse" for their alleged behaviour.
"As if that justifies sexual harassment from a grown, married man ... Sexual orientation is not consent, being bi-sexual is not an invitation for grooming. My son was a minor when this began. This is sexual grooming," she shared.
She said after months of prayer, she had decided to share this information on TikTok, but felt it was necessary to warn others about the dangers posed by someone with a large following.
"Sometimes we wait to speak up when we feel safe and strong enough. My son lives in France now, making a case internationally has been difficult. More parts will follow because funny people can do dark things to and it's always the people you least expect.
"When I found out I was shocked, angry and heartbroken ... This man knew my son was going through a hard time ... You would think he would have been supportive and encouraging, instead he crossed the line ... When my son told me what happen I didn't go public or blast it online.
She ended by saying: "This was manipulation and it started slowly with calls, messages and grooming. My son never received an apology, no accountability."
The mother then followed up by posting a number of screenshots of conversations which allegedly show Richards telling her son that he is "horny" and was "going to masturbate", among other conversations.
The video has now gone viral, leading to various TikTok users adding their voice to the matter.
Responding to one creator's opinion video, the mother replied: "💔💔Your words honestly brought me to tears. The love, the care, the strength you've shown - it means the world. Just a kindly correction I just want to share something important. My son isn't bisexual. The person who hurt him assumed he was, and when I confronted them, that was their excuse.
"I told them straight: no matter your sexuality, no matter your orientation - there is never, ever a right to hurt someone. This is bigger than just our family. It's about respect, safety and the right to be who you are without fear. From the bottom of my heart - thank you for standing with us and see my son bravery ! 🙏"
Lance D Richards has been contacted for comment and his comment will be added once it has been received.
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