Actress Kate Henshaw has voiced her frustration over online trolls who resort to name-calling whenever they disagree with her opinions on social media.
She criticised the trend, describing it as exhausting and unnecessary.
Taking to her X account on Thursday, Henshaw condemned the use of offensive labels such as “olosho” and “prostitute.” She challenged her critics to engage in more intelligent conversations instead of relying on insults.
“Name-calling like olosho, prostitute, and the like is just so tiring to hear,” she wrote. “Can’t you come up with more intelligent responses?”
Henshaw calls out ‘dullards’
The actress did not stop there. She went on to mock those who resort to insults, suggesting that they deliberately reject logic and reason.
“Oh well, sense was in abundance, but that’s when you decided to walk away so that you would be bereft of brains. Dullards,” she added.
Henshaw, a veteran in the Nigerian film industry, has never been one to shy away from expressing her views. Over the years, she has gained a reputation for speaking her mind on political and social issues. However, her outspoken nature has made her a frequent target for cyberbullies.
The growing problem of cyberbullying
Like many public figures, Henshaw has faced harsh criticism online. Some of her followers disagree with her views, but instead of engaging in constructive debate, they resort to personal attacks. This pattern is common in the digital space, where social media users often hide behind anonymity to hurl insults at celebrities and influencers.
Cyberbullying is not new in Nigeria’s online space. Many celebrities, politicians, and activists have been victims of social media trolls who prefer to attack personalities rather than discuss ideas. Experts warn that such toxic behavior discourages meaningful conversations and creates a hostile digital environment.
Social media: A tool for dialogue or hate?
Henshaw’s recent outburst highlights a broader issue. The rise of social media has made it easier for people to express their opinions, but it has also given room for unfiltered hate speech. Many internet users, rather than engaging in thoughtful discussions, resort to verbal abuse.
Despite this, some public figures have continued to push back. Celebrities like Henshaw are using their platforms to call out online toxicity and demand a higher standard of discourse. They argue that social media should be a space for dialogue, not a battlefield for personal attacks.
Mixed reactions from fans
Henshaw’s stance has sparked reactions from her fans. Some supported her, agreeing that name-calling is a sign of weak arguments. Others, however, criticized her, suggesting that public figures should develop a thicker skin to deal with social media criticism.
The global challenge of online hate
The debate over online conduct is not unique to Nigeria. Across the world, famous personalities struggle with cyberbullying and the pressures of constant scrutiny. While some choose to ignore trolls, others, like Henshaw, confront them head-on.
As social media continues to shape public conversations, the question remains: Will users embrace more respectful engagement, or will online insults remain the norm? For now, Kate Henshaw has made her stance clear—she expects better, and she is not afraid to say so.
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