Thuli Phongolo Responds After Woman Photoshops Herself Into Her Photo

Actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo has sparked conversation on social media after addressing a situation involving a woman who allegedly photoshopped herself into one of Thuli’s photos and shared it as her own.

The photo in question was originally posted by Thuli in January 2025. Recently, social media users noticed that another woman had edited the image by placing her own face onto Thuli’s body before posting it online. Instead of reacting with anger, Thuli chose to respond with humour and compassion.

Taking to her Instagram Story, Thuli addressed the incident and said, “Whose content is it anyway? Let my girl have it please, she made it work!” She said with humour.

However, the media personality also used the moment to speak about the pressures of social media and how it can affect people’s mental health.

“PS: Social media is not good for our mental health. The pressure gets to some people but eventually, if willing, you learn it’s not worth it at all. Let her have it, she’ll do better when it’s right. Just another example to reflect on what matters.”

Thuli went on to explain why she would not be reposting the edited image. She expressed concern for the woman involved and encouraged people not to make the situation worse.

“For context, someone photoshopped herself on my previous post and posted it as hers. I’m not going to repost the content in question because I can imagine the anxiety and embarrassment from people highlighting it to her is already affecting her. I truly feel deeply sad for her.”

She added, “Please don’t make matters worse for her. I’m not mad at all… I actually found it funny but a lot of people forwarded the post to me so I saw an opportunity for us to reflect instead. It’s okay.”

Thuli Phongolo addresses the controversy surrounding Mbali's edited version of a photo originally taken by Thuli in January 2025. pic.twitter.com/JGUD0WAOhB

— Sanele Nkosi (@sanelenkosiii) June 3, 2026

Thuli’s response quickly gained attention on X, where many users praised the way she handled the situation. Several people also shared their views on the growing pressure that social media places on individuals to appear perfect online.

One person wrote, “Oh mara why would she do that to herself?? Also, Thuli handled that like a pro, like a sweetie, just great. I must say I didn’t expect that from her.”

Another commented, “Social media validation and insecurities are real, the fake persona of being perceived in a certain standard when you can just be yourself. It starts small with Facetune overly editing yourself now photoshop.”

A third user added, “I like how she addressed it. A lot of people are going through social media pressure and it probably causes a lot of embarrassment & anxiety when they get caught. I hope this girl seeks help or takes an online break, I hope her friends sit her down and gently talk to her”.