“Peet Will Sue Trump”: Activist Critiques the Viljoens’ Statement While in US Detention, SA Debates

• A social activist, Bianca, discussed Peet and Mel Viljoen's statement while on a seven-week detention in a US immigration facility
• The update shared on TikTok also touched on Peet's views of Donald Trump as a leader, which is a contrast to the 'friend' he had previously called him
• Social media users flooded the comments section debating their statement, while others felt that the couple was finally facing the consequences of their actions
• Briefly News caught up with Bianca to get her views on the Viljoens' change of heart about the US president and their views on their viral fame

The controversial Viljoen couple made headlines once again after trading their luxury lifestyle for a prison cell in the US following a series of legal blunders.

The clip was shared by TikTok user @biancasays3 on 27 April 2026, attracting many viewers who enjoy the creator's content.

The couple’s legal troubles began with what they called a ‘misunderstanding’ at a grocery store self-checkout, where they were accused of stealing over $5,300 worth of goods. Beyond the shoplifting charges, they are also embroiled in a battle with immigration authorities over allegations that they overstayed their tourist visas.

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Peet and Mel Viljoen speak out in ICE detention

Despite the grim conditions Peet described, including sleeping on floors and limited food, the couple remains insistent on staying in America. TikTok user @biancasays3 noted that the couple still claims that the US is a thousand times better than South Africa, which they continue to criticise. The South African lawyer said that he and his wife were now world famous, comparing his scandal to Kim Kardashian being famous for controversy.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Can the Viljoens's viral fame be compared to the Kardashians

The Briefly News team asked if Bianca thinks the new ‘bully’ comment about Donald Trump will ruin their chances of staying in the US. She shared:

“The irony here is honestly wild. A few months ago, they were praising Trump; now they’re calling him a “bully” and “crazy” from inside ICE detention. That’s a full 180. Perhaps Peet Viljoen thinks bad-mouthing Trump will get them out of their legal situation and shipped back to South Africa sooner. Legally, that’s not what’s going to decide their future. This is really an immigration issue. It comes down to their visa status and how that’s handled, plus the criminal case. So, while the Viljoens’ new views on Trump make headlines, US immigration and criminal courts don’t care about your “hot takes”. They care about paperwork and evidence.”

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We noted the Viljoens’ comparison of themselves to the Kardashians and asked if Americans are even talking about them. The social activist said:

“This is really just a South African story right now. There has been some U.S. coverage, but it’s mostly local Florida news around their arrest for alleged organised retail theft. It hasn’t hit mainstream American media in any big way. The comparison to Kim Kardashian is very ambitious. In South Africa, people already know their history, so the story has traction. In the U.S., they’re basically unknown outside of that local criminal case.”

When asked what the most insane reaction she’s received from her viewers is, Bianca said.

“The reactions are split, which is what makes it so fascinating. Some people are convinced the Viljoens are victims of a broken system. Others think this is just consequences catching up. I’ve also had people say content like mine is unkind and judgmental, especially when you’re talking about real people going through something serious. I understand that perspective, but this is a public case with real legal implications.

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We must also not forget the South Africans who have been victims of the alleged fraudsters. I try to focus on explaining what’s happening so people can form their own opinions. The funniest part is how extreme it gets. Some viewers think this is going to turn into some kind of comeback story. Others see it as a warning. It’s the same story, but people are watching two completely different movies.”

SA debates the couple's statement

The clip gained massive views and hundreds of comments from social media users who debated the Pretoria couple's latest news. Many viewers praised Bianca for her well-researched and ethical reporting, saying her content was addictive. Some viewers said the grass is not always greener on the other side, noting how the couple thought their move to the US was their ticket to freedom. One user jokingly said that Piet would sue the US president for inconveniencing them. Others felt no pity for the Afrikaner couple, saying they deserved everything they were getting.

User @VLM said:

"Couldn't happen to a more deserving couple 🫶🏾."

User @chamm744 joked:

"Peet is going to sue Trump for inconveniencing them! Watch, he is going to take them on 🤭😁."

User @Bronwyn Pearce commented:

"Have you reached out to Tammy Taylor to hear what she has to say about all of this?"

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User @MiaArehone&Oritonda added:

"Your content is so addictive, the way you narrate is so refreshing 🥰."

User @Riri_Sarebear shared:

"What I love about your content is that it's true, which is rare these days on socials and the world of AI."

User @CarolinaBudgie said:

"Felons don’t get asylum!! In his dreams."

3 Briefly News articles about Peet and Mel Viljoen

• Human rights activist Pieter Kriel’s old clip about reality TV stars Melany Viljoen and her husband Peet's real reasons for leaving the country resurfaced amid their arrest in the US.
• A content creator read a report which detailed how Mel and Peet Viljoen allegedly ran a ticket-scanning scam in the US from August 2025 to March 2026.
• A local woman's shocked and humorous reaction to seeing the Viljoens' mug shots after their arrest left social media users in stitches.

Source: Briefly News