Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has responded strongly to critics who attacked her for recording herself while praying and speaking in tongues.
The actress, who recently shared a video of herself praying on Instagram, faced backlash from some social media users who questioned why such a spiritual moment was filmed and posted online. In response, Tonto addressed the criticism head-on in a video that has since gone viral.
Questioning what she described as double standards, the actress said people are quick to condemn Christians for publicly expressing their faith, while openly celebrating other personal activities online.
“We’re so bothered about Christians praying and filming it and posting it. I want to ask you, why are you so pissed? What are you so mad about?” she said.
Tonto went further, drawing comparisons between spiritual expression and other content commonly shared on social media.
“Do you mean to tell me that it’s okay for you to have sex and film it, for you to get drunk and film it? It’s okay for hitting the club and film it, but it’s not okay for me to speak in tongues and post it?” she asked.
She added that she was not judging anyone but simply calling out the inconsistency in how people react to religious content online.
“I’m not criticising anyone. I’m only saying if all of this can be done by people of the world and they’re confident enough to post it, then why are you so mad that I can speak in tongues?” Tonto stated.
In a follow-up caption on her Instagram page, the actress stressed that her message was rooted in love, not judgment.
“It’s all love from here, zero judgment always,” she wrote.
Tonto explained that she has no interest in policing how others live their lives, noting that everyone has a past.
“The ‘bad’ you think you are, many of us have been there and beyond. So I will never take on the role of an assistant Jesus, judging others. That’s not my assignment,” she said.
She concluded by affirming her personal choice to express her faith openly.
“My message is simple: live and let others live. We are all preaching something every day by our words, our choices, and our lives. My choice is to preach Christ, and my love for God should never make you uncomfortable or feel excluded. From this place, I choose love always.”
The video has continued to generate reactions online, with fans and followers sharing mixed opinions on faith, expression and social media boundaries.