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Cyan Boujee Apologises Over Controversial Russian Job Ad Backlash

SOUTH AFRICA —

Influencer Cyan Boujee has publicly apologised after promoting a Russian job programme for young South African women that sparked human trafficking fears.

Boujee faced criticism for sharing a video endorsing the “Alabuga Start Programme”, which promised women aged 18-22 free flights, accommodation, language lessons and paid work in Russia. She described participants living in a pyramid building with thousands of international women. (Original promotional video)

Social media users quickly flagged the programme as suspicious, with leaked videos appearing to show prison-like conditions at a linked facility. South Africa’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster then issued an official warning about “illegitimate and/or unverified ‘opportunities’”. (Government statement)

In her Instagram apology, Boujee stated: “I’ve been quiet firstly because I’ve been waiting for the program to release a statement on my behalf and it seems like they’re wasting my time. Human trafficking is a very, very, very serious matter and I do not stand with that.”

She denied financial motivation, saying: “I haven’t been paid yet. I had other videos to post… I was only going to get paid after posting. So it wasn’t for money. I didn’t get paid.”

Boujee claimed she removed ads immediately after seeing public concern: “Immediately when I saw the comments… I knew that this is something I have to delete immediately. I didn’t care about the money or the contract.”

No statement from the programme operators has been verified at time of publication.