TikTok sensation Royal Jeff, whose real name is Ssemanda Timothy, is embroiled in controversy after his American fiancée, Paula from South Carolina, accused him of orchestrating a charity scam. The pair met in February 2023 when Jeff gained attention on Instagram for fundraising efforts purportedly supporting an orphanage housing 20 children. Moved by his story, Paula sent money to aid in purchasing a home for the orphans and supplied beds for the children.
Jeff claimed the landlord was selling the property for $6,000, prompting Paula’s financial support. However, a year later during Paula’s visit to Uganda, doubts arose when she was shown falsified ownership documents. It was revealed the orphanage was non-existent—the children were temporarily borrowed for the visit, and the property was owned by Jeff’s mother, whom he had misrepresented as his aunt.
Paula exposed Jeff’s misuse of funds, alleging he redirected the money to support himself and his family rather than the children. She pledged to disclose further details, including how the funds allegedly helped launch Jeff’s music career. This scandal has raised concerns about trust and accountability among online philanthropists.