Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has been hospitalised following intense online criticism that erupted after her clash with veteran actor and director Afeez Owo. The development has stirred concern among fans, who fear the toll social media bullying is taking on entertainers.
The drama began after Afeez Owo, husband of actress Mide Martins, shared his thoughts on Wumi’s movie roles during a recent interview. His comments, which many interpreted as constructive analysis, did not sit well with Toriola, who openly called him out online.
Her reaction sparked a storm of criticism across social media platforms. Thousands of users weighed in, many accusing the actress of disrespecting a senior colleague. Hashtags dragging her name trended for hours, with critics insisting that Afeez’s comments were valid.
By Thursday morning, the backlash had escalated, forcing Toriola to reveal that she had been admitted to a hospital. Posting from her hospital bed, she wrote in a now-viral caption: “Internet dragging and ICU are siblings.” The post sent shockwaves through Nollywood circles, with fans flooding her page with mixed reactions.
In a follow-up comment, the actress appeared to soften her stance, acknowledging the criticism and pledging to improve. “I have heard you all, will do better next time. Wish me quick recovery,” she wrote, appealing to fans for prayers and support.
The incident has once again ignited debates about cyberbullying, mental health, and the unforgiving nature of social media in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Industry colleagues and fans have urged restraint, reminding audiences that online dragging can have real-life consequences.
As the actress recovers, the spotlight is now on how Nollywood and its stars navigate the fine line between criticism, respect, and the growing culture of online mob shaming. Whether this episode reshapes Wumi Toriola’s approach to public interactions remains to be seen, but it has left no doubt about the harsh realities of digital fame.
