Digital creator Sheryl Cherono, popularly known as Sheryl Gabriella, has issued a public apology following the circulation of an explicit video linked to her online, saying she is deeply sorry to those affected while insisting the footage was shared without her knowledge or consent.
In a statement posted on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, July 21, Sheryl acknowledged the controversy, saying she had taken note of the concerns raised by fans, business partners, colleagues and the public.
“I have taken note of the concerns raised regarding the circulation of an intimate video associated with me on various social media platforms,” she said.
The content creator apologised to those who felt disappointed by the incident, particularly supporters who have followed her career over the years.
“First and foremost, I sincerely apologize to anyone who has been affected or disappointed by the circulation of this content. I understand the concern that this situation has caused, especially to those who have supported me throughout my career,” she wrote.
However, Sheryl maintained that she neither uploaded nor distributed the video, describing its circulation as a serious breach of her privacy.
“I was not the person who uploaded or distributed the video online. The content was shared without my knowledge or consent, and I have been deeply affected by this violation of my privacy,” she stated.
She further revealed that the matter is under active investigation and that she is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.
“The matter is currently under active investigation by the relevant authorities, and I am fully cooperating with the investigative process. Out of respect for those proceedings, I will not comment further on the details at this time,” she added.
Sheryl’s apology comes shortly after the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) issued a press release addressed to Sheryl Cherono (Sheryl Gabriella) and Robert Mbaya, popularly known as Tyler Mbaya (Baha), following the circulation of separate explicit videos associated with each of them.
In the statement, the association said it had become aware of “inappropriate content” circulating on various social media platforms and called on the two creators to issue a public apology within seven days.
“DCCAK therefore calls upon you to issue a public apology across all your digital platforms within seven days,” the association said.
The association warned that failure to comply could see it escalate the matter to relevant regulatory agencies, including the Communications Authority of Kenya, as well as major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube for possible action under their respective policies.
DCCAK also argued that obscene and pornographic content undermines the credibility of Kenya’s digital content industry and discourages corporate investment in digital advertising, urging creators to uphold professionalism, responsibility and respect for the law.
Although Sheryl Gabriella and Tyler Mbaya were named in the same statement, their cases are unrelated, with each individual’s explicit video circulating separately. Tyler is yet to publicly respond, while Sheryl has become the first of the two to issue an apology and address the controversy publicly.
She concluded her statement by thanking her family, friends, fans and professional partners for their continued support, saying she remains committed to conducting herself professionally as she allows the legal process to take its course.
