Award-winning actress and filmmaker Bukunmi Oluwasina has called out the growing trend of online mockery and hostility towards public figures, urging Nigerians to embrace kindness, empathy, and perspective—especially when celebrities experience personal challenges.

In a series of Instagram stories, the Ayomi and Citation star criticized the culture of making fun of people’s misfortunes, particularly women in the public eye.

“What I find very mean and uncalled for,” she wrote, “is people mocking someone at their lowest moment, saying, ‘Sebi she used to show off, sebi she was peppering us.’ Ask yourself—if you were in her shoes, wouldn’t you show off too? Not everyone likes a quiet life. For some people, showing happiness is a form of therapy.”

Oluwasina argued that sharing joyful moments online should not make celebrities targets for ridicule when life takes a different turn. She added that many fans forget that public figures are human and experience pain, loss, and growth like anyone else.

“Nobody comes online to post their struggles or failures,” she said. “Life doesn’t come with a manual. People make mistakes and learn from them—that’s what it means to live.”

The actress also reflected on the powerful influence celebrities hold over young fans, acknowledging that fame can have both positive and negative effects.

“Yes, how celebrities live affects young people,” she noted. “Some youths start smoking because their favourite stars glamorise it online, while others are inspired to build families after watching their idols honour their spouses. Both are reflections of influence.”

Oluwasina urged fans to stop idolising strangers online while ignoring real-life role models within their families.

“You left your parents at home and came to pick role models from Instagram? You mean no one in your family is worth emulating?” she asked. “If living a perfect life were that easy, why not start by looking up to your mum and dad?”

The actress further analysed the psychology behind online resentment, stating that many people subconsciously dislike others who appear happy or successful.

“Resentment is like setting yourself on fire and waiting for others to choke on the smoke,” she said. “Instead of focusing on gossip and hate, social media can be a place to learn new skills, build businesses, or find scholarships—but many choose envy over growth.”

Oluwasina concluded with a heartfelt appeal—especially to women—to reject toxic joy over others’ pain.

“Above all, please, especially women, stop waiting for your fellow woman to fail just to feel better about yourself. If you can’t be anything else, be kind. It costs nothing to be kind.”

Through her message, the actress highlighted the emotional toll of social media cruelty while championing empathy as a much-needed corrective in today’s digital culture.