Suzan Mutesi puts the controversy behind her as she struts the red carpet at Carmen premiere on Cockatoo Island - after being accused of buying Instagram followers

Suzan Mutesi didn't appear scathed by recent claims that she's a 'fake socialite' and was back to doing what she does best on Friday night. 

The Challenge Australia star ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet at the opening night of Carmen on Cockatoo Island in Sydney.

The 36-year-old stunned in a glittering, golden minidress that showed off her trim pins.

Suzan Mutesi (pictured) didn't appear scathed by recent claims that she's a 'fake socialite' and was back to doing what she does best on Friday night

Suzan Mutesi (pictured) didn't appear scathed by recent claims that she's a 'fake socialite' and was back to doing what she does best on Friday night

It included sheer panels that flaunted a hint of skin, and featured sequins throughout that caught the light. 

She paired the frock with abstract purple heels with puffy details and a slender strap. 

Suzan opted for dangling statement earrings and skipped other accessories but for a chunky ring. 

The Challenge Australia star ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet at the opening night of Carmen on Cockatoo Island in Sydney

The Challenge Australia star ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet at the opening night of Carmen on Cockatoo Island in Sydney

For makeup, she chose a clean look with lots of highlighter and a deep ruby red lipstick. 

It comes after the self-described 'award-winning author' who has been a fixture of Sydney's social scene for the last three years was rocked by wild claims she is a 'sham socialite' who inflated her popularity with 'fake' Instagram followers. 

Mutesi, who hails from Uganda, has been accused of faking a 'celebrity lifestyle' to gain access to red carpet events, sponsorships and media gigs - including a recent appearance on Channel 10 series The Challenge.

After months of whispers about her credibility, Jamie Azzopardi, a prominent Sydney stylist who has known Mutesi for years, opened the floodgates by giving a tell-all interview about her to the So Dramatic podcast.

The 36-year-old stunned in a glittering, golden minidress that showed off her trim pins

The 36-year-old stunned in a glittering, golden minidress that showed off her trim pins

'It fascinates me how she went from 200,000 followers pre-lockdown to 1.2 million and is on a reality TV show where she is representative of influencers,' he said.

According to Azzopardi, publicly available statistics on Social Blade, a website that tracks analytical information for social media platforms, prove she 'bought 75,000 followers' before Sydney Fashion Week - and 'challenged' Mutesi to prove him wrong.

He also claimed Mutesi purchased automated comments, views and likes in an attempt to have her Instagram engagement match her inflated follower count, a claim she denied to Daily Mail Australia.

Spotting 'fake socialite' Suzan Mutesi (pictured) at the same event, the celebrity stylist told Daily Mail Australia he'd like to 'push her in the pool'

 It comes after the self-described 'award-winning author' who has been a fixture of Sydney 's social scene for the last three years was rocked by wild claims she is a 'sham socialite' who inflated her popularity with 'fake' Instagram followers

'Just release your insights, and I'll stop talking. I'll admit I'm wrong, I don't do it very often, but I will publicly say I was wrong,' Azzopardi told the podcast. 

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last week, an emotional Ms Mutesi denied buying followers and said her numbers were so high because she is a 'go-getter'.

The Sydney-based influencer, who describes herself on Instagram as an 'Actor and Best Award Winning Author', said she 'hustles hard', and that her large following is because she has been around for a long time.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last week, an emotional Ms Mutesi denied buying followers and said her numbers were so high because she is a 'go-getter'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last week, an emotional Ms Mutesi denied buying followers and said her numbers were so high because she is a 'go-getter'

'I used to work as a fashion designer before I moved to Australia. I've travelled around the world. I have articles in Nigeria. I also sing,' Mutesi explained. 

'I've collaborated with international artists internationally, not just Africa,' she added.

'It saddens me to hear such words. These ridiculous claims are sad and pathetic and very childish,' Mutesi said of Azzopardi's allegations.

'I have a book that will scream my truth. I work hard, from the age of 18. I've been here for a long f***ing time. I am not 18, I am 36' she continued. 'I've had 36 years to get things right. I understand where I am'

 Mutesi's manager at the Sydney PR agency Markson Sparks has also issued a statement denying the 'fake socialite' claims

Mutesi's manager at the Sydney PR agency Markson Sparks has also issued a statement denying the 'fake socialite' claims. 

'Suzan is starring in a major national reality show The Challenge on Channel 10 and has had a stellar career over the past 12 years,' they told Daily Mail Australia.

'Suzan starred alongside Jane Seymour in Ruby's Choice earlier this year, she is an author with a second book coming out in 2023. She is also a fashion influencer, model and is hugely popular on social media.

'Suzan has an enormous fan base, and I'm really proud to be her manager. Thanks for your recent enquiry. It's #fakenews.'

'Suzan is starring in a major national reality show The Challenge on Channel 10 and has had a stellar career over the past 12 years,' they told Daily Mail Australia

 'Suzan is starring in a major national reality show The Challenge on Channel 10 and has had a stellar career over the past 12 years,' they told Daily Mail Australia