Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has finally spoken out after facing backlash for attending a party shortly after her sister’s burial.
Phyna, who lost her younger sister Ruth Otabor in a tragic accident involving a Dangote truck in August, laid her to rest in September.
However, a recent video showing the reality star clubbing with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels stirred outrage on social media, with critics accusing her of being insensitive and moving on too fast.
Read Also: Phyna loses sister, Ruth, after truck accident
While Regina Daniels had earlier defended Phyna, urging the public to stop judging how others handle grief, the BBNaija winner had remained silent until now.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Phyna shared an emotional statement addressing the controversy. She reminded critics that grief is a deeply personal journey that cannot be dictated by public opinion.
“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,” she wrote.
“Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence.”
Her post has since drawn support from fans and colleagues who commended her strength and maturity in handling the criticism.
Phyna, known for her outspoken nature and resilience since her BBNaija win in 2022, has often been in the spotlight, both for her achievements and her candid approach to public scrutiny.
Despite the recent backlash, she continues to emphasize the importance of healing, positivity, and living life fully, even in the face of pain.
