- Nollywood actors have rallied around Toyin Abraham, drumming support amid massive backlash online.
- The actress has been trolled and criticized for allegedly arresting an X user and his mother for wishing her son death.
- Toyin Abraham’s colleagues have thrown weight behind her, sharing their opinions on the matter.
Nigerian actors Saidi Balogun, Muyiwa Ademola and others have taken to social media to express support for their colleague Toyin Abraham, who shared a distressing video revealing her struggles with cyberbullies.
In an Instagram live video on Wednesday, July 10, Toyin disclosed the emotional toll that online harassment has taken on her. She said:
“These people were paid money to bully me, to ruin my life and career. My fear is gone. I am ready to die, you guys have pushed me,”
Following her live video, Saidi took to Instagram to show his solidarity with Toyin. He criticised the double standards in the way people view celebrities defending themselves. Saidi Balogun stated:
“You use police to arrest your neighbors for the most minor reasons, e reach celebrity turn, you say it’s bully.”
Saidi urged netizens to stop the “emotional blackmail,” reminding them that “celebrities are human just like you.”
The actor concluded by advocating for equal freedom of action. Saidi concluded :
“You are free to say what you like right? Let celebrities be free to take whatever actions to protect their mental space. Freedom should not be selective. God bless,”
Actors Itele and Yinka Quadri echoed Saidi’s sentiments in the comments section, with Itele saying, “Well said sir. Freedom should not be selective.” Yinka simply added, “Well said.”
Sharing a photo of himself and Toyin Abraham, Muyiwa Ademola on his part asked his colleague to stay strong.
He added that he wouldn’t take things lying down either, if anyone who trolls his kids. Muyiwa Ademola said:
“Kosi eni ti won ma ferukan ti koni bomoje”. I can take all bants but do not come near my children. We should all know that to every reaction there is always an equal and opposite reaction. Lessons learnt. All would be sorted soon. Stay Strong Oluwatoyin
#celebritiesarehuman.”
Additionally, Big Brother Naija star Tacha and actress Biola Adebayo addressed the issue on their Instagram pages.
Abiola said that she has been trying to reach Toyin all to no avail, offering prayers for her well-being.
Tacha, in a video, defended Toyin, noting that she did not force anyone to vote for any candidate and should not be bullied for it.