Ritz Mcleish Breaks Silence on Viral Video, Alleges Extortion and a Malicious 3-Year-Old Attack
Zimbabwean socialite and rising star Ritz Mcleish, real name Michelle Moyo, has addressed the recent circulation of a private video that went viral online. She clarified that the footage, originally recorded in 2021, was leaked as part of a malicious extortion attempt. 
In a heartfelt statement, the actress and musician denied any involvement in the leak, responded to widespread public speculation, and made an emotional appeal for understanding and support. The incident has sparked conversations about privacy, digital security, and the challenges public figures face in the social media era.
The Social Media Storm
A private video featuring the socialite, who is also known as "Ritz Mcleish (Strawbae) (Michelle Moyo)" for her support of the ruling Zanu-PF party, surfaced online this week and quickly spread across platforms like Telegram and Facebook. The leak immediately sparked intense public debate and speculation about its origin and motive.
The timing led many to believe the leak was a politically motivated attack aimed at tarnishing her reputation due to her vocal support for President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. However, others speculated that it could have been a self-orchestrated stunt to regain public attention, a claim Mcleish has vehemently denied.
"I Am Not a Person Who Seeks Attention Like That"
In her detailed statement, Ritz Mcleish (Strawbae) (Michelle Moyo) revealed the video is not recent. "The video circulating on the internet is from around 2021," she explained. She claims the perpetrator had tried to post it before but failed to gain traction because she wasn't famous at the time. This time, the situation escalated. "Yesterday around 4am I tried to talk to the guy to remove the videos from his Telegram channel & Facebook," she wrote. "The guy then called on WhatsApp & demanded a lot of money which I could not afford to pay... even if I paid, there was no guarantee he wouldn't post it again, considering he managed to keep the video for over 3 years."
As a mother of two trying to build a positive brand through her acting and music, Mcleish expressed her deep hurt and frustration. She questioned why the public focuses on destruction rather than construction and made a direct appeal for support.
"The way you push things that destroy me, if only you tried to push the good things I do. I have a lot of movies and dramas on YouTube, but I never see you sharing the links so my work can grow. Let's be people who enjoy doing good in the community; let's not have an evil spirit of destruction."
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to her career and her followers, stating, "I promise all those who believe in me that I will work hard so our brand can be one to be proud of."
The Broader Conversation
Beyond the speculation, the incident has reignited a crucial national conversation about digital privacy, the malicious sharing of private content, and the weaponization of women's bodies to silence or shame them. Many Zimbabweans have called for greater compassion and respect for privacy, regardless of their personal opinions on Mcleish's political affiliations or public persona.
David (Sales)