#SPOTTED: SHAMIER ANDERSON, KING BACH, BEN JOHNSON & MORE AT WORLD PREMIERE OF “HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY”

The Red Carpet was rolled-out at Scarborough Town Centre last night as the World Premiere of new Paramount+ series HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY took place! The humorous Mockumentary series is told over six episodes, giving the world a chance finally to hear Ben Johnson‘s side of the story.

Once regarded as “the World’s fastest man”, his world came crumbling shortly after winning gold in the 100m Men’s Spring at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, when he tested positive for steroids. Stripped of his medal, this investigation led to a broader conversation about the doping of several Canadian athletes, though Johnson never got vindication.

The Series from Creator Anthony Q. Farrell, stars Scarborough’s own Shamier Anderson in the title role, alongside social media sensation King Bach as Johnson‘s arch-rival Carl Lewis. The Cast is a who’s-who of Canadian talent including Andrew Phung, Emma Hunter, Mark McKinney, Kristian Bruun, and several more.

We had the pleasure of attending the Premiere and chatting with the Cast and Creator:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

The screening, moderated with a Q&A by Scarborough Spots founder Jesse Asido, was then followed by a reception in the space the formerly belonged to Hudson’s Bay. The rum was pouring, the music was blaring, and the roti and curry coat was unlimited! And most of all, man of the hour Ben Johnson was seen kicking-back and having fun, as he should.

HATE THE PLAYER: THE BEN JOHNSON STORY airs March 26, 2026 on Game TV and streams March 27, 2026 on Paramount+.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+ Canada/Mr. Will Wong)