Kia hit American pop culture gold with their advertisements for their Soul models, featuring a trio of dancing hamsters. Unfortunately, one of the men underneath the costume wasn’t as earnest and trustworthy as the creature he portrayed.
The California Department of Insurance are accusing Leroy Barnes, 27, of illegally receiving more than $51,000 in disability benefits after he alleged a piece of ceiling fell on him and he was unable to work.
But as he limped over to the mailbox each week for his disability check, Barnes was found to be working, including starring in the nationally popular Kia commercials and being a backup dance for some high-profile pop stars.
Reports USA TODAY:
But the department says he made at least one Kia commercial, performed in a rap group, assisted in recording the song Cat Daddy, and was a backup dancer for Madonna, Kelly Rowland and Chris Brown.
Barnes was arrested last month and is free on bail. He couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
Insurance department spokeswoman Nancy Kincaid said she didn’t know if he had a lawyer.
Take a look at the video where the “injured” Barnes started to raise eyebrows. More pics of the accused swindler on the pages below.
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Photos: Twitter, Instagram/Mowiielviz
