Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has spoken out against the increasing trend of mocking celebrities on social media, urging the public to respond to public figures with greater understanding rather than ridicule.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the CreativiTea podcast, the actor reflected on the harsh criticism many entertainers and other public figures face online. He argued that many of those making negative comments fail to appreciate the realities and pressures that come with life in the spotlight.
According to Okanlawon, fame does not shield celebrities from personal struggles, and the public often overlooks the human side of those they admire or criticise.
“I see people who have no idea what the challenge is that people in the spotlight are facing. They just come up with a lot of things. It’s sad to see,” he said.
The actor also criticised the growing use of the term “yeyebrities” to mock celebrities, describing it as disrespectful and unnecessary.
He argued that constantly belittling the achievements of others can limit a person’s own aspirations and success.
“People even call celebrities ‘yeyebrities’ because I’m like, whatever you diminish in somebody else’s life, you can never achieve,” Okanlawon said.
He further cautioned social media users against assuming that fame could never affect their own families, noting that anyone could eventually find themselves—or someone close to them—in the public eye.
“So, let’s just pray that in your lineage, nobody finds their way into the spotlight, because if that happens, then you’ve opened up the door for such things to be said about them,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Okanlawon appealed for more empathy in online conversations, stressing that celebrities experience personal challenges that are often hidden behind carefully curated public images.
His comments come amid ongoing conversations about online bullying, digital harassment and the growing pressure faced by public figures in the age of social media.
