The new Netflix documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist has uncovered a catfishing hoax that shocked America.
The two-part docuseries investigates the “secret online relationship” that sent college footballer Manti Te’o’s “life and career spiralling”.
Back in 2012, the Notre Dame player was messaged on Facebook by an LA-based woman named Lennay Kekua, and the pair struck up a close relationship.
While they often spoke on the phone, Lennay always made excuses as to why she couldn’t meet Manti in real life.
Later, Manti found out through Lennay’s family members that she had been diagnosed with leukemia, and she died the same day his grandmother did.
Manti was left devastated, but as this two-part documentary reveals, everything was not as it seemed…
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The now 31-year-old continued playing football and garnered more media attention than ever due to his tragic losses.
But a Deadspin investigation into Lennay’s identity later revealed that his online girlfriend never existed.
Since having his world rocked nearly a decade ago, Manti Te’o’s life has thankfully been on the up and up.
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In August 2020, Manti Te’o married fitness instructor Jovi Nicole, to whom he had been romantically linked to since 2016.
The 31-year-old announced their marriage via an Instagram post, writing: “I couldn’t give you the world but I think I did better… I gave you my last name and it looks good on you Mrs. Te’o.”
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One year later, Manti and Jovi welcomed their first child – a daughter named Hiro on August 12, 2021.
Manti shared the news on Instagram, writing: “8•12•21. Forever grateful for my wife. Thank you for bringing our little girl into this world. You are my hero. I love you. Hiro, Daddy loves you and I’m so grateful and excited to be your dad. I love you my baby girl. Let the journey begin!”
Meanwhile, Jovi said: “The Queen is here✨ Baby Hiro graced us with her presence 8/12/2021 at 1:01pm by emergency c-section. 8 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches of perfection. Her, mommy and daddy are all strong, happy and healthy. God is good❤️”
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As for his career, Manti is currently a free agent for the NFL.
He played for the San Diego Chargers for four years, then the New Orleans Saints for two years.
He then moved to the Chicago Bears practice squad before becoming part of the team’s active roster in January 2021.
Manti has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million, with his most recent salary estimate being $132,000 per annum.
You can watch Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist on Netflix.
