Manti Te’o is feeling the love after his 2-part documentary, “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist,” premiered on Netflix.
Manti Te’o Got Catfished
The documentary, released on August 16, detailed how the college football star was a victim of the ultimate catfish hoax orchestrated by Ronaiah ‘Naya’ Tuiasosopo.
Naya stole someone else’s photos and created a Facebook profile Lennay Kekua.
“Lennay” carried on an online friendship with Manti that flourished into a relationship so deep that the football star referred to her as “the love of his life.”
On September 11, 2012, Manti Te’o learned his grandmother has passed away after battling cancer. Within six hours he also learned that his girlfriend, “Lennay,” also died from cancer.
Completely devastated, he suited up, hit the field, and played the game of his life to honor his grandmother and girlfriend by leading Notre Dame to a 20-3 upset of Michigan State.
It was heartbreaking and inspirational.
The only problem was Lennay never existed and when the world found out Manti Te’o’s world was flipped upside down.
Netflix Documentary
Netflix released the following description for the 2-part documentary:
Born into a Hawaiian paradise, All-American football standout Manti Te’o leads a simple life summed up in just three words: faith, family, football.
College football’s golden boy could do no wrong, but when tragedy strikes, the increased scrutiny of his online relationship causes a media maelstrom that threatens his future and legacy.
Featuring in-depth interviews with Manti Te’o and the person behind the online identity, Ronaiah ‘Naya’ Tuiasosopo.
Watch the trailer for “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” below.
Manti Te’o Expresses His Gratitude
Manti Te’o is now feeling the love, support, and empathy he didn’t receive 10 years ago when this hoax rocked his world.
He took to social media over the weekend to thank everyone for the outpouring of love saying, “I just want to come on here real quick, just to give a heartfelt thank you to everybody that has come through and has shown so much love to me and my family, for your messages, for your comments.”
“I’m trying to go through all of them and it’s been so amazing to me to hear the battles that we’re all facing, the challenges that we’re facing in our lives at this time, and how the documentary has given some of us hope, the extra push just to keep going.”
See his original video below.
Twitter Reacts To “UNTOLD: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist”
Where Is Manti Te’o Now?
Manti found the true love of his life and tied the knot with Jovi Nicole Engbino on August 28, 2020.
Almost a year later, the couple welcomed a bouncing baby girl named Hiro Te’o.
As far the football is concerned, Manti Te’o is currently a free agent.
Last month, he took to Instagram writing:
Every since I was 5 years old my number one goal was to be the best football player that I could be.
For the last 26 years of my life I’ve committed myself to that goal and have pushed my body to it’s absolute limits every single year.
Last year…that goal changed when me and @jovinicolefitness had our daughter.
Today, my ultimate goal is to be the very best dad for my kids. To be their example of what hard work and dedication looks like.
To be their number one fan. But in order to do all of that, I have to make sure that I am HERE to raise them.
That’s why I’m excited to announce that I have joined the Transcend family.
Take control of your health. Get your bloodwork done and talk with our team of doctors that can help lead you to a long, healthy life.
Live your best life, Manti!
