American Streamer Who Was Reportedly Kidnapped in Haiti Freed; Accused of Staging Kidnapping
An American streamer who was reportedly kidnapped during an attempt to meet gang members in Haiti has been freed based on his latest social media posts.
According to reports, streamer Addison Pierre Maalouf had travelled to Haiti amid the US’s ongoing travel advisory urging its citizens not to visit the country.
Maalouf was reportedly held captive by a Haitian gang for over two weeks after he and an associate were kidnapped while trying to interview a gang leader.
Following reports that the gang was demanding a ransom to release Maalouf, the content creator announced on his Twitter/X page on Saturday that he had been released.
“Cameraman never dies. I’ve been released. Glory be to God. Christ is King,” Maalouf stated.
In a subsequent post, the streamer further expressed his gratitude to God for his freedom. While he said he would not be able to give details until he was home, Maalouf accused his Haitian captors of kidnapping him because of his skin colour.
“I was kidnapped purely for the color of my skin. I was kidnapped for being a “Blanc”. Can’t give any more detail till I’m home, but all I will say for now is – Glory be to God. Released between Good Friday & Easter, Christ is King,” Maalouf wrote.
While many of his fans expressed relief that he was released, his story has already attracted doubt as social media users question its authenticity.
“yeah this whole thing is scripted,” one X user wrote.
Reacting to the accusations that Maalouf faked his kidnapping, his brother, Lalem, who is also a streamer, shared a photograph showcasing the candles his mother has used while praying for her son’s return.
In a previous post, Lalem seemingly suggested that the negotiation process for Maalouf was filmed and they would be sharing it.
View Lalem’s posts below.
