Vanessa Chettle, who once ruled the social media scene eight years ago, has opened up about life after fame. And it has not been an entirely smooth ride.
She opened up to Lwanga TV about battling drug addiction, a turbulent marriage, and the loss of friends and family support.
Vanessa shared that at just 18years old, she married a Mzungu man older that her dad whom she had met on Facebook.
“I was married to an older Mzungu man I met in Nairobi. He was even older than my dad. The controversy got the attention of media, who rarely had anything good to say. ” she revealed.
The marriage was short-lived, lasting only two years before they separated.
“When I got into fame, he was insecure because I used to pose for photos with different male celebrities and scandal assumptions. And I used to come home late,” she said.
She admits that while being a trophy wife had its perks, she felt “caged” since she could not do what other girls her age were doing, “like partying the whole night.”
After they divorced, her ex-husband took away the Subaru car he had gifted her.
She bought another car and moved to a 1-bedroom apartment in Lavington.
Vanessa started hosting events in various clubs to make a living.
And dated several notable figures in the showbiz industry.
“I was involved with some of the movers and shakers in the industry, but it was not anything serious,” she admitted.
HIV/AIDS Rumors
A jealous friend started started the rumor that Vanessa Chettle was spreading HIV/ AIDS all over town.
“Someone went behind my back started rumors that I was spreading HIV/AIDS in Nairobi.The rumors quickly spread. And It was all over the internet. I did a test publicly to shut down the rumors,” Vanessa recalled.
Vanessa Chettle Drug Addiction
Vanessa’s rise to fame came at a high cost. She became addicted to hard substances, including designer drugs.
“It got to a point where I gave my dealer my car. I could get substances on credit and pay later. We agreed he would use my car to do his business and pay me weekly, but because I was so hooked, I would take drugs as payment,” she recounted.
“I used to buy substances for my crew too because I wanted them to be on the same level as me,” she said.
Her addiction spiraled out of control. And she had to sell the car for about KSh 1 million to clear debts. She ended up blowing the remainder on drugs and friends.
Eventually, she lost the friends after a vengeful ex used his power to destroy her brand. Gigs were not as frequent and she was even auctioned.
“Auctioneers came and took everything from my house. Friends started hosting me, but some were very jealous. I later realized that I didn’t have genuine friends,” Vanessa confessed.
Losing a Daughter
Vanessa also revealed she lost her last-born daughter.
She was involved in a boda boda accident while six months pregnant. And this led to the premature birth and subsequent death of her baby five days later.
Having broken up with her babydaddy, Vanessa had no one to comfort her as she grieved.
However, Vanessa is determined to turn her life around for the sake of her children.
She has three kids from different fathers and is committed to being a present and loving mother. “I promised to give my daughters the best life and be a present mum,” she concluded.
What lessons have you picked from Vanessa Chettle’s story?
By Vivian K.