NOLLYWOOD STARS NEED COMPASSION, NOT HARSH CRITICISMS

Nowadays, it is a past time for people to criticize the lifestyle and choices of Nollywood stars. While I understand the scrutiny that must come with fame, I believe many of these criticisms are unfair, stupid, callous and plain bullying.

On social media, we have seen people who are perpetually obsessed with Yul Edochie for example, so much they have abused him and his family to the point of calling for DNA tests to be carried out on his innocent children. This happens every day.

Earlier this year, Nonso Diobi was relentlessly dragged for a whole week because he asked his fans on Tik Tok to send stars to him. It is even funny when you consider the fact that celebrities in developed nations do the same thing, especially when they are running a charity or community project.

I used developed nations to establish the fact that Nollywood and Nigeria as a whole is not where it should be. Nollywood which is the second largest movie industry in the world (in terms of number of produced movies) made a profit of just 5 million dollars in 2023. Adam Sadler made 73 million dollars in the same calendar year.

I have also noticed they have been “wotoporiously” condemned for their political stance. While I may not agree with their political stands, I also recognize that many of them are family men, and like most businesses and brands in Nigeria, political patronage may help secure their daily bread, particularly for those of them who are family men and women.

While a vast amount of Nigerians on social media today are aware of what mental health issues are, even if they may not fully grasp what it is. What is funny is that many people saying vile things on gossip blogs about Nollywood stars would be first to cry “mental health” when faced with similarly vicious attacks, but as usual, it is a case of giving what they cannot take.

I do not think it is bad for people to criticize movie stars, particularly when they may have spent their hard earned money in watching them, particularly with the harsh economic reality on ground. However, I detest it when keypad warriors, online trolls and bullies would decide to take and trash everything that involves a star.

We must learn to cut them some slack.

I just hope they won’t cry “have mercy” or “please leave it for God” should they be charged with cyberstalking.