Big Brother Naija star Phyna has finally responded to critics who slammed her for partying shortly after her sister’s burial. The reality TV winner, known for her bold and outspoken personality, became the center of social media debate after a viral video showed her clubbing with Regina Daniels just weeks after her sister’s tragic death.
The incident sparked mixed reactions online, with some accusing Phyna of being “insensitive” while others urged fans to respect her healing process.
The Tragic Loss That Shook Phyna’s Family
Phyna lost her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, in a heartbreaking road accident involving a Dangote truck in August 2025. The family laid Ruth to rest in September, with fans and colleagues sending condolences to the reality star.
However, not long after, social media platforms lit up with a clip of Phyna dancing and laughing in a Lagos nightclub, a scene that quickly went viral and divided public opinion.
Regina Daniels Defends Phyna Amid Online Backlash
As online trolls criticized Phyna, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels stepped in to defend her friend. Daniels urged Nigerians to show empathy, emphasizing that everyone grieves differently. Her message calmed some tensions, but many continued to question Phyna’s emotional response.
The BBNaija winner, who had remained silent amid the uproar, has now addressed the controversy head-on.
Phyna’s Powerful Message: “Grief Has No Manual”
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Phyna expressed her pain and frustration with the public’s expectations about grief.
She wrote:
“Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry. Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence.”
Her post immediately went viral, drawing thousands of supportive comments from fans who praised her for being open and strong.
Fans Rally Behind Phyna
Many Nigerians took to social media to comfort the star, saying she owed no one an explanation. Some noted that grieving publicly can be overwhelming, especially for celebrities constantly in the spotlight.
One fan wrote, “People expect celebrities to act like robots. She’s human — she’s just trying to survive the pain.”
Another added, “Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. Phyna deserves peace.”
Phyna’s Journey After BBNaija
Since winning Big Brother Naija Season 7 (Level Up), Phyna has become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about reality stars. From brand endorsements to acting gigs, she has built a reputation for being unapologetically herself.
Despite facing controversies, including online trolling and public disagreements, Phyna continues to use her platform to speak about mental health, resilience, and authenticity.
What This Means for Public Figures
Phyna’s experience highlights a recurring issue in Nigerian entertainment — the unrealistic expectations placed on celebrities during moments of loss or vulnerability.
The constant social media attention means stars like Phyna often struggle to balance their private emotions with public scrutiny. Her message serves as a wake-up call for fans to remember that grief is personal, not performative.
FAQs About Phyna’s Viral Video and Response
1. Who is Phyna?
Phyna, whose full name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, is the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7 (Level Up). She is an actress, influencer, and TV personality from Edo State, Nigeria.
2. What happened to Phyna’s sister?
Phyna’s younger sister, Ruth Otabor, sadly passed away in August 2025 after an accident involving a Dangote truck. She was buried in September.
3. Why was Phyna criticized online?
She was criticized after a viral video showed her partying and dancing shortly after her sister’s burial. Some fans felt it was inappropriate timing.
4. How did Phyna respond to the backlash?
Phyna stated on X (formerly Twitter) that grief has no fixed timeline and urged people to respect how others choose to heal.
5. What did Regina Daniels say about Phyna?
Regina Daniels defended Phyna, saying people should show empathy because everyone grieves differently.
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