A major controversy is brewing around Zimbabwean social media star Gilbert Nyati following allegations that a reported $10,000 gesture to his wife, Mai Nyathi, is an attempt to "bribe" her silence amidst a cheating scandal. While fans were initially touched by the narrative of Nyati providing his wife "freedom to chase every dream," new details suggest the money is actually their shared marital earnings being used as leverage.
The Allegation: Paying for Silence with Their Own Money
Public speculation has shifted from celebrating Nyati's "generosity" to questioning the ethics of the gift. Critiques point to several key issues:
- Joint Marital Funds: As a content creation duo, the couple’s income—which Nyati recently revealed to be nearly $10,000 USD monthly—is the result of their collective brand. Critics argue that "surprising" his wife with $10,000 is essentially giving her money she already earned through their joint social media success.
- Economic Abuse Claims: Advocates have raised concerns regarding economic abuse, noting that while both partners contribute to the content, Nyati allegedly maintains sole control over the accounts and payouts.
- The "Cheating Bribe" Narrative: The timing of the financial gesture coincides with viral allegations of infidelity. Nyati was recently accused of cheating with a Xhosa woman in South Africa, with some reports claiming he was caught on CCTV.
A Marriage in Crisis
Despite the public display of financial support, the couple’s marriage appears to be in significant turmoil:
- Abuse Allegations: Leaked voice notes, which Nyati initially dismissed as "AI-generated," featured Mai Nyathi detailing domestic issues and physical abuse.
- Mistress Denials: Both Nyati and his alleged mistress, Tresley Chikafu, have denied having an affair, dismissing the rumors as false.
- Rural House Controversy: Adding to the financial complexity, the couple recently received a house in their rural home valued at approximately $10,000, which was a gift from a construction company, not a personal purchase by Nyati.
While some fans continue to support the influencer, the dominant conversation has turned toward the power imbalance in the relationship. Many observers now view the $10,000 "gift" not as a romantic gesture of freedom, but as a calculated move to manage a PR crisis using the couple's shared wealth.
