As April Fools’ Day rolled in, American horror author Nicholas Kaufmann found himself at the center of a bizarre case of mistaken identity—thanks to a simple extra “n” in his last name.
Filipinos flooded the inbox and comment sections of the Chasing the Dragon and 100 Fathoms Below author, mistaking him for Nicholas Kaufman, the international lawyer representing former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Our names aren’t even spelled the same (he’s Kaufman with one n). It’s insane,” Kaufmann posted on Facebook on April 1, clarifying the confusion.
But the flood of messages didn’t start on April Fools’ Day. As early as March 21, Kaufmann had already issued a public plea to Filipinos through his social media:
“PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, I AM NOT THE ICC LAWYER NICHOLAS KAUFMAN WHO IS REPRESENTING PRESIDENT DUTERTE! PLEASE STOP MESSAGING ME!”
In a Rappler report, Kaufmann said the first wave of messages came from Duterte supporters, offering words of encouragement and blessings. However, as the days passed, more Filipinos—mostly critics of the former president—joined in, apologizing once they realized their mistake.
Still, the confusion only grew.
“It’s maddening…. This is not an April Fools’ Day joke. It’s real and it’s driving me crazy,” he said.
Kaufmann even shared a Rappler opinion piece by Antonio J. Montalvan II, shedding light on the viral mix-up’s impact on his online presence.
Meanwhile, the real Nicholas Kaufman, the lawyer, is preparing to appear before the ICC on September 23. He has expressed his intention to seek dismissal of the case before that date.
As for the author? He’s just hoping the messages stop.
