World of Secrets – Death in Dubai: Episode 1, "The Real Mona Kizz" (BBC, September 15, 2025)

Brief Overview

The season premiere of World of Secrets delves into the tragic and controversial death of Mona Kizz (Monica), a 23-year-old Ugandan woman who fell from a tower block in Dubai. The incident, caught on camera, goes viral and sparks a social media frenzy driven by lurid rumors and hateful commentary—casting Mona as the face of the "Dubai Porta Potty" scandal. This episode moves past the sensationalism to explore who Mona really was, her family’s quest for answers, and the impact of online misinformation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family’s Discovery of Mona’s Death ([01:38]–[03:45])

• Rita, Monica’s sister, receives the news via relentless phone calls:

  “He asked if I knew what had happened and I said no. He asked if I had seen the news. I hadn't. Then he said Monica had died.” –Rita [02:44]

• The caller, who had earlier helped Monica move to Dubai, sends Rita a shocking video allegedly of Monica's death.
  • Description of the disturbing video circulating online
  • Rita's horror and confirmation that the woman in the video looked like Monika.

2. The Viral Rumors & “Dubai Porta Potty” Myth ([04:12]–[05:46])

• The death is instantly seized upon by TikTokers and YouTubers, who accuse Mona of being involved in the “Porta Potty” scandal (wealthy men paying women for extreme acts).

  “Mona became the face of Dubai Porta Potty... These rumors are out of control.” –Ryan Seacrest [05:07]

• The family and host describe the immense shame and hate poured on Mona online, with the story spun out of context and fact.

3. Mona’s Life Before Dubai ([10:41]–[13:15])

• Family interviews at the rural Ugandan family home paint a vivid picture of Monica as lively, creative, and loved.

  “She deserved [the name Karunji, meaning beautiful] because she was beautiful, really... whenever she's at home, everyone is happy to see her because she has vibes.” –Rhona [11:10]

• Monica dreamed of more than the limited prospects at home, longing to change her family's circumstances.

4. Monica’s Aspirations and Journey Abroad ([13:15]–[21:27])

• In Kampala, Monica transforms—training as a makeup artist, changing her style, gaining new friends, and following influencer culture online.
  • Rita expresses concern about Monica's shifting values and her fascination with social media and celebrity lifestyles.

    “She used to tell us stories... I personally had no idea who these people were. Also her friends... jazzed about life abroad. She was tempted to go make more money than she can make here.” –Rita [14:57]

• Monica obtains a job opportunity in Dubai via a man who arranges her documents, pays for her travel, and assures the family of her safety.
  • The family throws her a big farewell party.
• On the day of her departure, Monica leaves home emotional but hopeful, promising to return support for her sick mother.

5. The Glitter and Gaps of Monica’s Instagram Life ([23:32]–[25:45])

• From Dubai, Monica posts glamorous content—clubbing, luxury settings, and changing appearance.
• Rhona notes visible changes in her, including apparent use of skin-lightening and unexplained bruises.

  “For being in abroad or for being in UAE, her lifestyle changed and even the color of her body changed... I think she was not the one who was controlling the Internet and social media things.” –Rhona [25:00–25:28]

• Family grows increasingly worried, particularly after a tearful, emotional voice note from Monica. It's the last message Rhona ever receives from her.

6. Online Misinformation and Social Media Attacks ([26:23]–[29:17])

• The video said to show Monica's fall is proved to be fake—actually filmed months earlier in Russia, involving a different woman.
• Similarly, graphic videos used to shame Monica online are also not of her. Nonetheless, the damage is done:

  "She deserved that... She died. She loved money too much..." –Rhona quoting online comments [28:19]

• Host Renaco reflects on the impact:

  “Monica can't rest in peace because people online are tearing her to pieces.” –Renaco Salina [28:41]

7. Community Grieving Without Closure ([29:45]–[32:02])

• The family and community hold a memorial, but her body is never returned to Uganda.

  “We never had a burial ceremony... we can't see the body. We can't find anything.” –Rita & Rhona [30:37, 31:55]

• The grief is exacerbated by unanswered questions; Monica’s mother is especially devastated.

8. Seeking the Truth—Family’s Investigation ([32:04]–[35:54])

• Rhona and Rita refuse to believe Monica killed herself, suspecting foul play.
  • Rhona: “She will never kill herself. That's what I know. Because she was a strong girl.” [32:34]
• The mysterious “friend” who arranged Monica’s move uses a phone registered to a different name (a woman), raising suspicions.
• Rita’s persistent calls finally lead her to Monica’s employer in Dubai, who is unhelpful and soon cuts off communication.
  • Rita saves his number as “killer.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rumors and the Internet:

  “She was accused of being a Dubai porta potty, getting paid to be a human toilet.” –Renaco Salina [05:00] “These rumors are out of control... Are they not ashamed?” –Renaco Salina [05:26, 05:46]

• Family’s Faith in Monica:

  “She deserved that name because she was beautiful, really.” –Rhona [11:10] “She will never kill herself. That's what I know. Because she was a strong girl.” –Rhona [32:34]

• On the Pain of Unanswered Questions:

  “I can't get her... Sometimes I feel I want to call her. Then I remember it's no longer there.” –Rhona [32:04] “We can't see the body. We can't see anything. We can't find anything.” –Rhona [31:55]

• On Social Media Cruelty:

  “Monica can't rest in peace because people online are tearing her to pieces.” –Renaco Salina [28:41] "But no need to comment something that you don't know. You don't know she was doing those things that you have been saying." –Rhona [28:46]

Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:38]–[04:07] — Family is informed of Monica’s death; graphic video circulates
• [04:12]–[05:46] — Internet hysteria: Accusations, “Dubai Porta Potty” trend, media onslaught
• [10:41]–[13:15] — Monica's early life: Family account, dreams for a better future
• [15:29]–[21:27] — Monica’s preparations and departure for Dubai
• [23:32]–[25:55] — Monica’s life and changing persona in Dubai documented via social media; family expresses concern
• [26:23]–[29:17] — Host debunks main viral videos; Monica’s memory attacked online
• [29:45]–[32:14] — Mourning without a body; family's devastation
• [32:34]–[35:54] — Family’s private investigation: dead ends, suspicion, and heartbreak

Tone & Storytelling Style

• The episode balances investigative rigor with emotional storytelling; the host maintains sensitivity toward Monica’s family, determined to challenge online narratives and reveal the human story beneath the scandal. The language frequently echoes the family's grief, resilience, and search for justice, while scrutinizing the power of social media to distort tragedy into spectacle.

Summary Takeaway

"Death in Dubai: The Real Mona Kizz" introduces a complex, provocative story that goes far beyond the tabloid headlines and viral rumors. By foregrounding Monica’s family, uncovering the falsehoods behind viral videos, and documenting a family’s relentless search for answers, the episode challenges listeners to question what they accept as truth, especially in the age of social media.

The episode ends with the family—and the listener—left with urgent unresolved questions: What really happened to Monica in Dubai? Who was responsible? The investigation is just beginning.