Zozi Tunzi’s Netflix Role Got Timeline Divided AF “Not Classy For Our Miss Universe”

It looks like Miss Universe turned Miss Unbothered, because Zozibini Tunzi has the streets of Mzansi talking after her latest role on Netflix’s new drama series Bad Influencer.

A clip of Zozi showing off her acting chops in the show hit X (formerly Twitter) this weekend — and let’s just say the timeline went feral. In the viral snippet shared by X user @musa_khawula, Zozi’s character, Naomi, can be seen dropping sass, side-eye and a few colourful words that had fans gasping: “Not Miss Universe saying that on Netflix?!”

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The moment was enough to divide South Africa into two camps — Team “She’s Acting, Relax” and Team “This Ain’t Miss Universe Behaviour.”

While some praised her for her bold acting chops, others slammed the role as “beneath her brand” and “distasteful” for a former Miss Universe who has just celebrated seven months of marriage.

Mixed Reviews After Zozi Tunzi’s Clip

Fans and critics alike took to the timeline with strong — and often shady — opinions:

@Amaze_M: “She could’ve chosen a better role. Being a bully as Miss Universe is just distasteful. But I guess, whatever pays the bills…”

@thobjablessing: “I know it’s acting, but couldn’t they give her better lines? These are not the words I want coming out of our Miss Universe. She’s way too classy.”

@simphiwe_n54295: “Mna, I see an actress. A person would really have to be the worst actor for me not to believe them. Did she just say Fly SAsfebe? 😂”

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@ozababe_anita: “I love Zozi, but the Naomi character really made me nervous — I didn’t like her at all! She played that mean girl role so well. Well done to Zozi for challenging herself and nailing it!”

@Vicky_usser: “Haters will cry. Y’all don’t complain when Hollywood actresses do wild roles, but when it’s Zozi suddenly it’s ‘degrading’? Africans never hype their own.”

@xrayray: “This is a downgrade from Miss Universe to a local actress. Sorry, but no.”

@tyla_za: “For the first time I’ll be supporting a mean girl in a series. Zozi did the thing!”

@mphomo: “I feel like it took away that classiness of Miss Universe. The vulgarity was just too much — way below Zozi.”

@pthlela: “At first I thought it was a Zozi look-alike because wow — the role literally degrades her brand. A slay queen role for Miss Universe? Haibo, imehlisa isithunzi shame 🫣👎🏽”

@mkabayilo: “Angiwuthandi la Fly Air Nton Nton ku Miss Universe wethu. Zozi, please!”

This isn’t the first time Tunzi has faced public scrutiny over her career choices since her reign as Miss Universe ended. However, her supporters argue that Bad Influencer marks a bold new chapter — one where she’s breaking free from the beauty queen mould to become a versatile performer.

And clearly, Zozi Tunzi ate that role like she never even had a crown. And judging by how her name’s still trending days later, Bad Influencer might just be the mess Mzansi didn’t know it needed.

Because if this is Zozi’s villain era, baby… she’s doing it in heels and with a flawless beat.

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