Dr Phil: Lennay Kekua Death
Dr Phil had an in depth interview with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, the man behind the Manti Te’O girlfriend hoax. Ronaiah killed Lennay Kekua off on the same day that Manti’s real life grandmother passed away. But who was the woman in the pictures? Meet Diane O’Meara.
Dr Phil: The Man Behind The Manti Te’O Girlfriend Hoax
Dr Phil learned more about the Manti Te’O hoax, including the use of Diane O’Meara’s Facebook photos and the aftermath of the faked Lennay Kekua death. (Annette Shaff / Shutterstock.com)
A woman named Diane O’Meara spoke with the Today Show about the fact that her image was used as the face of Lennay Kekua, the fictional girlfriend of Notre Dame football star Manti Te’O. Her image and likeness were appropriated by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a former high school classmate and Facebook friend of hers.
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo issued an apology to Diane O’Meara for dragging her into the middle of his shenanigans. Something about his tone did not come across as sincere in the apology.
Dr Phil: Diane O’Meara Facebook Photographs
Ronaiah said that Diane figured out that her photographs were being misused. He even got Diane to hold a dated photo with Lennay Kekua’s initials, and I guess she agreed to do that. This part doesn’t make sense. If she is so mad about her photos being misused, was she tricked into making this sign?
Another woman named Donna was used to play the part of Lennay’s sister. Why did he create more fictional family members? After he contacted Manti Te’O as Lennay’s brother, he decided to fabricate Ulani, Lennay’s fictional sister, to comfort him.
Dr Phil: Ronaiah Tuiasosopo Confession
Dr Phil wondered whether Ronaiah ever slipped up and forgot to use Lennay’s voice on the phone, but he said he always had it under control. “That’s kind of a rookie mistake,” he said. “When you have been able to mastermind all of this and create this whole…reality, and make it seem as real as possible,” you don’t make those mistakes, he said.
Ronaiah said he always intended for this hoax to end in the truth. Next, Dr Phil wanted to know whether his interview subject has ever lied to him in their conversations. He said that he was completely truthful.
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