In an era where a single double-tap can ignite a global news cycle, the curious case of German influencer Lizlaz and Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has taken a dark, systemic turn. What began as a viral like on Instagram has blossomed into a startling revelation about the lengths to some media entities will go to manufacture controversy for clicks. Lizlaz recently revealed that following a social media interaction with Kohli, she was approached with lucrative, paid offers to disparage the cricketer’s character, an invitation she claims to have rejected with zero hesitation.

The saga traces back to earlier this year when fans noticed the former Indian captain and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon had liked a reel posted by the German model. For an athlete with over 273 million followers, such interactions are never ‘just a like’; they are treated as headline news. However, the aftermath of this digital breadcrumb trail exposes a predatory side of celebrity journalism, where the line between reporting and character assassination is often blurred by financial incentives.

Lizlaz alleges she was offered cash to post negative comments about Virat Kohli

According to Lizlaz, the surge in her notification tray wasn’t just filled with fans, but with aggressive inquiries from various magazines and outlets. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, she detailed the pressure she faced to fabricate a narrative against Kohli.

“Some journalists even offered me money to say bad things about him and make allegations he never made,” she disclosed. For a rising influencer, the temptation of a large payout can be significant, yet Lizlaz emphasized that her admiration for the cricketer outweighed any financial gain.

The model’s refusal highlights a growing trend of manufactured scandals in the sports world. By coming forward, she has pulled back the curtain on how hit pieces are often orchestrated. Lizlaz expressed that the experience was bittersweet; while she was emotional and happy to be noticed by her favorite cricketer, the subsequent attempts to bribe her into lying were a jarring introduction to the aggressive nature of international media cycles.

She maintained a firm stance, stating, “Why would I say bad things about him for money? I’m not that kind of person.”

Also READ: Who is LizLaz? The German-South African creator making headlines after Virat Kohli’s Instagram like

The reality of ghost likes and the RCB connection

While the influencer has leaned into the buzz, recently posing in an RCB jersey ahead of their high-stakes match against Mumbai Indians, there remains a layer of digital nuance to the story. Kohli has addressed similar incidents in the past, noting that his social media activity, including likes, can sometimes be the result of technical glitches or management handling rather than personal intent. This ghost liking phenomenon is common among top-tier celebrities whose accounts are managed by large digital teams.

Regardless of whether the like was a deliberate nod or a digital slip, the core issue remains the weaponization of social media interactions. Lizlaz’s revelation serves as a cautionary tale about the integrity of digital journalism in 2026. As she continues to support the RCB franchise through her content, the conversation has shifted from a simple Instagram interaction to a broader debate on the ethics of the attention economy and the resilience of public figures like Kohli against orchestrated smear campaigns.

Also READ: IPL 2026: RCB star penalised for obscene gesture after dramatic win over MI

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