Some Africans have taken to social media to express their discontent for what they believe is a calculated and deliberate attempt by the western media to discredit the African continent and Africans at every slightest opportunity. Popular American entertainment magazine reported about the kick attack on former California governor and famous actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The attack happened in South Africa.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, was at the Arnold Classic Africa - an event showcasing body-building and other sports, in Johannesburg, South Africa over the weekend.
While he was chatting with fans and making a snap chat video on his mobile phone, an African male attacked the former governor and actor with a kick from behind and this was clearly caught on camera.
However, while reporting the incident which was widely shared on social media across the world, popular American entertainment magazine, TMZ, said Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked in ‘Africa’, not ‘South-Africa.’
This did not go down well with Africans across the continent and in Diaspora.
TMZ tweeted:
“Arnold Schwarzenegger Attacked in Africa, Drop-Kicked From Behind”
Following the trend the video caused online, the former actor and governor were prompted to reassure his fans that nothing serious happened.
“There is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot,” the star of the “Terminator” films wrote on Twitter, thanking fans for their concern.
“I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.”
Many Africans however, who flooded social media with their displeasure over TMZ’s tweet took their time to re-awaken the “Africa is not a country” advocacy.
Many foreigners called on Arnold Schwarzenegger to press charges but the former governor in a tweet posted a few hours ago has said he does not plan to do so.
“A lot of you have asked, but I’m not pressing charges. I hope this was a wake-up call, and he gets his life on the right track. But I’m moving on and I’d rather focus on the thousands of great athletes I met at @ArnoldSports Africa”; Schwarzenegger posted through his official tweeter handle.
Header Image Credit: Los Angeles Times