Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has dismissed viral claims that he is critically ill, describing the video behind the rumour as fabricated, malicious and the work of “merchants of darkness.”

The 56-year-old actor spoke in an Instagram video after footage showing him in a frail state circulated widely on social media, sparking concern among fans, friends and colleagues.

Duru said the claim that he was battling a life-threatening illness was false, insisting that he had never been as sick as portrayed in the viral video.

“I am making this video with regard to very wicked videos circulating around about me being sick to the level that you could see in that video,” he said.

“Well, I have never been that sick and will never be that sick. And by God’s grace, we keep being stronger and stronger.”

The actor condemned those behind the video, accusing them of deliberately creating negative content to attract traffic online.

“That video is a handiwork of merchants of darkness, of wickedness, people who sit and concoct negativity for people,” he said.

“You just don’t want to see people rise. You just don’t believe in people’s success, all in the course of driving traffic.”

Duru also raised concern about the growing use of manipulated content and possible artificial intelligence tools to mislead the public and damage people’s reputations.

“And if this is what social media is all about or AI, then we are in big trouble indeed,” he said.

The actor said the rumour had frightened some of his friends and acquaintances, many of whom reached out in fear and confusion.

He urged members of the public to disregard any report suggesting that he was critically ill, stressing that the video was not a true reflection of his health.

“This is just to let you guys know that this is me talking to you. Anything beyond this is their business,” he said.

He added that he decided to release the video to calm those who had been worried by the false reports.

“Please, my friends who have been embarrassed, scared, even to call me, and those who just call for calling sake, just to know whether it is true, well, this is me,” he said.

Duru, who married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, lost his son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024