Cyan Boujee Opens Up About Losing Brand Deals, Her Relationship, and Overcoming Backlash

Controversial content creator, YouTuber and DJ, Honour Zuma, better known as Cyan Boujee, recently sat down with rapper L-Tido on the L-Tido Podcast. In the candid conversation, she revealed how the controversial Russia Alabuga Start Programme cost her brand deals, her relationship, and even her peace of mind.

Earlier this year, Cyan was among several influencers recruited by agencies to promote the programme, which was marketed as a “unique opportunity” for women aged 18 to 22 from across the world. However, the campaign quickly sparked backlash online, with many people suspecting that it was linked to human trafficking.

Cyan admitted that she didn’t do her homework before signing on. “I definitely had to do the research and I will always feel bad for that,” she confessed. She added that even when she apologised on Instagram and YouTube, she did not deliver it with the right tone. “Absolutely not. I’m demanding sensitivity from my tone from now on. How I speak and how I address situations. This is absolutely a learning curve for me. I’m sorry to everybody. But at the end of the tunnel, there is always sunshine,” she said.

The YouTuber explained that the backlash had real consequences. “So, I lost a lot. I lost some bit of dignity, and I have a lot of anxiety. I lost my TikTok account, and I lost quite a number of brands,” she admitted.

Cyan also revealed that her relationship ended because of the controversy. “He was my man. He just got distant because of this situation, but I don’t think I lost him. Maybe I became the face of human trafficking, and that’s why he decided to leave me. I don’t know. I was madly in love. My man is a rich man, an independent man, and he is that man,” she explained. Reflecting on the breakup, she added, “I also feel like if a person feels like I’m too much for them, they are not enough for me.”

Despite the difficulties, Cyan said she is proud of how she has survived challenges. “I want to give myself some credit though, because there is so much that I go through. There is a lot of things I go through. I’m a hero to myself,” she said.

Cyan also gave fans a glimpse into her dating history. She explained that, despite her luxurious lifestyle, she doesn’t have a specific type. “I don’t have a type. I don’t mind dating broke, normal or rich. I’ve been with a broke man before; we dated for three years, and he hit me like no one’s business.” She claimed that her ex-boyfriend not only abused her but also stole from her.

However, she admitted there are certain dealbreakers when it comes to dating. “You can’t be Nigerian, Tsonga, and you definitely cannot be a rapper. The first red flag with a guy, especially a rapper, is when they’re suicidal in their songs,” Cyan added.

Cyan admitted that although she is open to dating different kinds of men, she does have a few non-negotiable. According to her, she would never date a Nigerian, a Tsonga man, or a rapper. “The first red flag with a guy, especially a rapper, is when they’re suicidal in their songs,” she explained.