Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has lashed out at those who love dragging celebrities.
In a lengthy post on one of her social media pages, she pointed out the irony: people turn on celebrities when they don’t express an opinion that serves them.
According to her, people praise celebrities when they entertain them, endorse their beliefs, and say what they want to hear, but when they speak for themselves or take a different position, the insults begin.
She admonished the public not to dehumanise her because they disagree with her. She noted how celebrities are human too and have their own beliefs, experiences, and voices.
“The moment a Nigerian celebrity expresses an opinion that doesn’t serve the crowd, the same people who once celebrated them can become their loudest critics.
We praise celebrities when they entertain us, endorse our beliefs and say what we want to hear. But when they speak for themselves or take a different position, the insults begin.
“Useless.” “Stupīd.” “Attention seeker.” “Who asked you?” As if being a public figure means surrendering the right to think, speak and hold personal convictions.
You can disagree with me, question my position or choose not to support what I support. But disagreement does not give you the right to dehumanise me.
Celebrities are human beings before they are entertainers. We have our own beliefs, experiences and voices, and we will not always say or support what you want.
If you only love me when I agree with you, you love the version of me that makes you comfortable.
I will keep speaking and standing up for what I believe in, while accepting that not everyone will agree with me.
You don’t have to agree with me to respect me.
If you’ve ever been insulted for expressing an unpopular opinion, share this post. Let’s learn to disagree without abusing, bullying or cancelling one another.
Agree or disagree, but tell me why in the comments. No insults. No dragging. Just honest opinions.
If you believe public figures deserve a voice too, repost this”.
