A 51-year-old man, identified as Chantwuan, captured the internet’s attention after a viral video featuring popular influencer Zachery Dereniowski, known as MDMotivator, surfaced online. In the video, filmed in Detroit, Dereniowski approached Chantwuan and offered him a choice: $1,000 in cash or a mystery basketball. Chantwuan chose the basketball, but it was his emotional story that resonated with millions, sparking an outpouring of support.
In the video, Chantwuan shared that he had recently been released from prison after serving 21 years, that it was his birthday, and that he was a military veteran who had served in Iraq. He recounted a difficult past, claiming he ended up in prison due to a situation involving his wife and another man. The heartfelt tale struck a chord with viewers, prompting Dereniowski to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help Chantwuan rebuild his life. The fundraiser quickly gained traction, raising over $119,000 from thousands of donors moved by his story.
However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Chantwuan’s ex-wife, Linda, took to TikTok to challenge the authenticity of his claims. In a series of videos, Linda alleged that key elements of Chantwuan’s story were fabricated. She asserted that he was never deployed to Iraq, his birthday is in August—not July as he claimed—and that he had not served a continuous 21-year prison sentence, but rather had been in and out of prison multiple times. Linda also accused Chantwuan of being abusive during their relationship, contradicting his portrayal as a victim in the story. To support her claims, she shared documents and jail records, which she said proved her allegations.
The fallout was swift. Following Linda’s videos, the GoFundMe campaign was removed from the platform, and all donations were refunded to contributors. A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed that the fundraiser was taken down after it was reported as potentially fraudulent, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to cooperating with law enforcement in cases of misuse. The controversy has divided the online community. Some defend Chantwuan, arguing that he deserves compassion and a second chance regardless of discrepancies in his story. Others side with Linda, praising her for exposing what they believe was a deliberate attempt to deceive the public for financial gain.
The incident has reignited discussions about the risks of viral crowdfunding campaigns and the challenges of verifying personal stories shared online. While Chantwuan’s supporters highlight the need for empathy toward those facing hardship, critics stress the importance of transparency and accountability in soliciting public donations. As the debate continues, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of viral narratives and the complexities of trust in the digital age.