I faced three years of online insults after BBNaija — Erica

Reality TV star Erica Nlewedim shared that she experienced three years of relentless insults and online criticism following her participation in the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show. In an interview on Toke Moment, she revealed the emotional toll the constant criticism took on her, leading to the onset of anxiety. Erica stated, "I was getting like three years of back-to-back insults. I had to see a therapist because of that show."

Social media became particularly challenging for her due to an incessant stream of notifications and comments. She explained, "At first, I didn't know that it was getting to me. It was like after three years of back-to-back insults. When I open Instagram, I just see notifications. I was always anxious, and I don't like that."

Her experience on BBNaija, specifically the 2020 edition, prompted her to seek professional help, which she received in 2024. The actress described 2024 as her "quiet time," during which she did not act in any movies and focused on addressing issues she had not previously recognized. "I just decided to take a break in 2024. It was just last year I decided to start coming back," she said.

Despite the emotional difficulties she faced, Erica acknowledged the financial benefits the reality show brought to her life. She noted, "I'll never go to a show like Big Brother Naija again in my life. I'm happy I did it because, of course, it changed my life money-wise, but I'm never doing it again if I'm given the opportunity."

Her disqualification from the 2020 BBNaija edition followed a breach of the show's house rules. In 2021, she had previously disclosed experiencing "full-blown anxiety" after her time on the reality show. Erica's latest revelation underscores the challenges faced by former reality TV contestants long after leaving the spotlight, particularly the pressure of sustained public scrutiny and social media criticism.

The remarks echo similar reflections from fellow ex-BBNaija housemate Mercy Eke, who recently spoke about regretting aspects of her participation while acknowledging the benefits the show brought her.