Fast-Rising Nigerian female singer, Omolade Oyetunde, professionally known as Lade, has condemned the rising trend of body shaming and online bullying, particularly towards plus-size creatives.
She expressed her pain over the constant trolling that people like her endure, warning that such behavior can lead to depression or even suicide.
Lade’s reaction followed the recent death of plus-size actress and body positivity advocate Monalisa Stephen, who reportedly died by suicide. Monalisa had previously spoken about the toll of cyberbullying on her mental health, a struggle Lade says is shared by many in the industry.
Lade highlighted the mental and emotional weight that plus-size individuals carry daily, including public expectations, hormonal challenges, and health issues.
She emphasized the need for empathy and kindness towards others, particularly in the online space.
“There are so many hormonal imbalances, problems that contribute to weight gain and managing that alone is hard!!!!” she wrote.
She urged critics to consider the invisible battles creatives face and offer kindness instead of ridicule. “Just let the creative remain in shape mentally. Give space and chance, let them work on whatever they deem fit,” Lade stated.
“If you can’t help or proffer any solutions, words of hope and encouragement, don’t complicate things!!!” she added, calling out those who add to the pressure without offering support.
Lade also emphasised the psychological impact of trolling, even when celebrities appear unbothered. “Even when y’all troll us and we act like it doesn’t get to us, it does and it’s painful,” she wrote.
“But before we get over one, 5 more or 10 more would troll,” she lamented.
In a particularly emotional part of her post, Lade asked, “Do you want to kill everyone??? What’s your gain?? You think the person is blind and they can’t see? Cos what’s your reminder for?” She ended with broken heart emojis.
The singer lamented how difficult life already is for plus-size creatives who are constantly battling to be seen beyond their physical appearance.
“Life is already crazy enough as a plus size creative trying to get people to focus solely on the great ideas, great music, great creativity that God has embedded in us,” she explained.
“But y’all will shift the focus and decide to talk about weight and things. It’s unfair!!!” Lade concluded.
