German model and influencer LizLaz has alleged that journalists approached her with offers of money to make negative remarks about Virat Kohli after the Indian cricket star became linked to her through a viral social media controversy. Speaking in an interview with FilmyMantra, LizLaz said the attention surrounding Kohli’s alleged Instagram “like” on one of her posts quickly escalated into repeated calls, pressure, and requests for damaging comments about the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain.
LizLaz, a German model whose Instagram post was mistakenly liked by Kohli was offered money by journalists to damage Kohli's image by making up things that never happened.
This is the level of journalism we have to deal with and then people ask why Kohli left India.
Nothing… pic.twitter.com/XxpxMGsxNx
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) May 12, 2026
LizLaz details pressure after Kohli controversy
While describing the aftermath of the incident, LizLaz said, “Some journalists even offered me money to say bad things about him (Virat Kohli) and make allegations about things he never did. But why would I do that?” She said the controversy generated intense interest online because of Kohli’s massive social media presence and global popularity.
LizLaz also described how the sudden attention affected her personally after the post involving Kohli gained traction across social media platforms. Recalling the period following the controversy, she said, “I was very happy and a little emotional about it, but I never expected something like this to happen. I would get so many calls from different magazines.”
She added that some interactions during that period became uncomfortable as the situation intensified online. Speaking about the pressure she experienced, LizLaz said, “Some people even pressure you to say things you don’t want to say.”
LizLaz reiterates admiration for Virat Kohli
The German influencer reiterated during the interview that she had no interest in criticising Kohli despite the publicity surrounding the episode. Emphasising her admiration for the India batter, she said, “I said it myself that he’s my favourite cricketer.”
She further rejected the idea of making allegations against Kohli for attention or financial gain. Explaining why she refused such approaches, LizLaz said, “So why would I say bad things about him for money? I’m not that kind of person.”
The controversy emerged after Kohli’s Instagram account appeared to interact with one of LizLaz’s posts earlier this year, prompting widespread discussion among cricket fans online. Kohli remains one of the most-followed athletes in world sport, with more than 273 million followers on Instagram, making even minor activity on his account a frequent talking point across social media.
LizLaz explains connection with Bengaluru and RCB
LizLaz, who was born in South Africa to a German mother and South African father, has built a following online through modelling, music, travel content, and social media videos. In an interview with FilmyMantra last year, she spoke about her upbringing in South Africa and some of her early experiences, saying, “When I was very young, we lived at a beach close to Cape Town.”
LizLaz further explained last year why Bengaluru felt familiar to her during visits to India and why she supported Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Speaking about the franchise and the city, she said, “I love supporting my local team. Bengalore feels like the most homely place for me in India.”
She has also spoken publicly about her interest in cricket after spending time in India, with Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru remaining closely associated with her growing visibility among cricket audiences online.
