Nigerian actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken out against body shaming on social media. On December 10, 2024, she shared a common saying on Instagram: “Before you body shame any woman, show us your mother.”
Tonto Dikeh used this statement to highlight the importance of respecting women’s bodies and avoiding harmful criticism of their appearance.
She wrote,
“This statement highlights the hypocrisy of men/women who body-shame women, especially those whose physical changes result from natural processes like childbirth. It calls for self-reflection and empathy, reminding them to consider the sacrifices and transformations women, including their own mothers, often go through in life.”
Dikeh’s post sparked numerous reactions from her followers, who shared their own experiences and perspectives on body shaming.
One follower commented, “Most times the body shaming comes from a fellow woman, and it’s so sad 😢😢😢😢.”
Even Nigerian celebrities aren’t immune to body shaming in the age of social media. Recently, veteran actress Kate Henshaw faced online criticism.
On September 17, 2024, she posted a fun video to X (formerly Twitter), showcasing her dance moves in the gym with a colleague.
The video was accompanied by a cheerful caption, “Energy never lies… No matter what, never lose your joy… Hold fast to it.. E get why.. Have a truly lovely day my authentic X family,” which was met with a range of responses from her followers.
A negative comment read, “Flat yansh. Aunty Kate, this your to match gym outfits ehnnn. Give me some now.”
One of Henshaw’s followers then slammed the X user, saying,
“What a stupid, backhanded comment to post. Real women lift each other up, not pass backhanded compliments. For the record, a backhanded compliment is a comment that blurs the line between insult and compliment. Apologise to Kate and moving forward, think before you post.”
Henshaw responded to her follower, saying, “She knew what she did… I don’t need her apology…Thanks Elyzabeth.”
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