Reality TV star and former BBNaija winner, Phyna, has responded to critics after she was spotted working at a restaurant as a waiter, sparking conversations online about dignity in labour and social media expectations.
Reacting to the backlash, Phyna questioned why many Nigerians look down on service jobs locally while praising the same roles abroad.
According to her:
“What is wrong with it if I am actually working as a sales girl (waiter)? Why the insult? Why the whole ‘her money don finish… she is now broke’?”
She added:
“Why is it that working as a waiter is a bad thing in Nigeria, but working as a waiter or cleaner abroad is okay?”
Her comments quickly generated mixed reactions on X, with some users defending her stance while others argued that her previously displayed luxury lifestyle made the situation surprising.
Reacting to the development, @HRH. King Emeka wrote:
“There is dignity in honest work. If she prostitute herself, it is the same public that would shame her. There is nothing wrong working as a waitress.”
Another user, @AsiriPlug, also supported her, saying:
“Don’t mind the evil people in Nigeria. Be proud of whatever that put food on your table.”
However, some critics argued that the backlash was more about public perception than the job itself.
@Idowu Raphäel commented:
“There’s nothing wrong in working as a waiter… The only wrong thing there is you having to work as one, after all the lifestyles you’ve displayed online.”
Similarly, @Rubyn🖤 wrote:
“Waiter jobs don’t sponsor that kind of lifestyle.”
Others blamed poor financial decisions and the pressure to maintain celebrity lifestyles online.
@KING DAVID BEST reacted:
“Money she for use start business she use am go do BBL.”
Another user, @Uzoh, argued that the criticism mainly comes from people who undervalue hard work:
“Nah your fellow entitled girls dey shame you.”