Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has addressed critics who believe celebrities should ignore bullies, insisting that fame does not make public figures immune to pain or disrespect.
The actress sparked conversations online after she publicly slammed a troll who mocked her for having “just one child.” The troll, identified as @covenant_home, had dropped the comment “Olomo kan” under one of her posts. In anger, Wumi shared the man’s photo and told her fans to “bombard his page with curses.”
Her reaction, however, drew widespread backlash as many accused her of “bullying the bully.”
Reacting to those criticizing her for responding, Toriola released a new statement where she admitted she would retrace her steps but stressed that public figures are not emotionless.
She wrote:
“Okay, so I heard my previous post’s subject is a serial bully. Ok na, we move. Not here anymore. Thank you all.”
Addressing the belief that celebrities should stay silent, she added:
“Some say public figures shouldn’t respond to bullies… They sometimes forget we bleed the same way.” Fame doesn’t cancel feelings, we are humans before anything else.”
She further explained that silence is often misunderstood:
“They say silence is strength, but a lot of times, silence is just a wounded human trying to stay composed.”
Just days earlier, Wumi shared a photo of herself receiving IV fluids on a hospital bed, stating that there is no difference between internet dragging and ICU.
Her comment reflected the mental and emotional toll online attacks can take, even on celebrities.
In September, actor Afeez Owo said in an interview that Wumi only reacts when pushed. His statement irritated the actress, who fired back, questioning whether she needed to “rent a husband to hold the mic and spoil things.” She also reminded him of his age and urged him to stop “the drama.”
The actress has also been at the center of other controversies, including responding to a subtle shade from singer Adekunle Gold, who compared her personality to BBNaija Imisi. Wumi, however, insisted she had “repented” since the beginning of the year.
Last year, when a fan advised her to stop creating enemies, Wumi bluntly told him to “shut up.”
Despite the current controversy, Wumi says she has reflected on her actions and is thankful for the criticism:
Her message emphasizes that while she is willing to adjust, she will not allow anyone, troll or not to dehumanize her.