Reality star, Erica Nlewedim has reacted to the criticism she received for taking her previously absent father to a movie premiere, a decision that sparked backlash among social media users.
It would be recalled that during her time on the BBNaija reality show, Erica opened up about her father’s absence in her life. She revealed that her father had been largely uninvolved in her upbringing, and that she was raised primarily by her mother, who was financially responsible for her and took care of her throughout her childhood.
In the same show, Erica disclosed that she was singlehandedly raised by her mother. Despite the strained relationship with her father for years, Erica eventually reconnected with him via social media. Their relationship, although distant at first, has gradually improved over time, and her father has become more involved in her life. In 2020, he publicly praised Erica, calling her "the most beautiful girl in Africa."
However, Erica recently came under fire when she made the decision to take her father to a movie premiere, rather than her mother. This act drew the ire of several netizens who felt that she had neglected her mother, the one who had been there for her throughout her upbringing, in favor of the father who had been largely absent for many years.
One particular critic, @BadgyalZinnie, expressed disapproval of Erica’s decision to flaunt her father now that he is back in her life, calling her actions indicative of being "male-centered." The critic pointed out that Erica’s mother was the one who had raised her and provided for her, yet she chose to spend time with her father instead. The critic wrote: "Her dad was absent growing up but guess who she flaunts now? Him! Her mum literally raised her and was financially responsible for her but cause of how male-centered she is, she just had to.”
In response, Erica vehemently defended herself. She expressed her frustration at being labeled "male-centered" and clarified that her relationship with her father, despite its past issues, was not something she regretted or held grudges about. She explained that she had posted her mother many times over the holidays, but that one post with her father made her the target of criticism. Erica’s response was both assertive and defensive as she wrote: "There’s always one fool, like I’ve not been posting my mom all the holidays, the one time I post my dad I’m male-centered, left to you I’ll be a bitter witch holding grudges till he dies and then I’ll say had i known! I think your parents did a poor job because look at how you think! Eww!”
Her response, which reflected both anger and disappointment, only fueled the conversation online, and it continues to spark a debate on the complexities of family dynamics and public perception. The exchange between Erica and the critic has garnered significant attention on social media, with many users weighing in on both sides of the argument.
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