Publish date: 2024-01-12

On September 11, 2012, Manti Teo told many media sources that his girlfriend and grandma both passed away. In addition, he revealed that Lennay Kekua, a student at Stanford University, had been hurt in a vehicle accident and was later diagnosed with leukemia while receiving treatment.

He claimed he had told Kekua he would play even if something happened to her. Thus, he did not miss any of Notre Dame's football games. He received sympathy and support from football fans.

Several sports media sites covered these tragedies during his strong 2012 season and emergence as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Finally, however, it all came down on January 16, 2013, when it was revealed that Lennay did not exist. 

This Day, 9 years ago: Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o supposedly meets future phantom girlfriend Lennay Kekua at the Stanford-Notre Dame game in a story first told by the South Bend Tribune.

Deadspin published an article revealing that Lennay Kekua was not a real person, and it was a fake profile created by Naya Tuiasosopo (then called Ronaiah Tuiasosopo). She changed her name from Ronaiah to Naya after transitioning into a woman.

At the time of the hoax, she was yet to undergo gender transition. Nevertheless, she allegedly created a Facebook profile under Lennay and started chatting online with the football star, starting a relationship with him. 

She made him believe she was dead and ended her scam with her demise. But, her lies were exposed in the media, which even brought troubles in her life. She recalled how she had difficulty finding jobs. 

She admitted to her mistakes and said she did not do it for financial gain. She added that she felt like Kekua had become a part of her and genuinely cared for the athlete. 

Currently, Naya identifies as a transgender woman living in Seattle, Washington. 

Also Read: Mark Hoffman CNBC Salary and Net Worth - Why Is He Resigning?

ncG1vNJzZmilma2ypa3RraCcpJVjsLC5jqeYspldqcKqrdKoqqion2KurK2Mq6anmZmWtW7A1KKYrKejpL2wecyapa2hXamysHnCmqufoaOdeqi10aWdq6GVo7E%3D