Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shed light on her struggles with online bullying and its impact on her mental health, especially during a period of personal loss.
Speaking candidly on Chude Jideonwo’s Live Talk, the actress shared her journey of battling depression following the death of her protégé, Jumoke Aderounmu, and how relentless social media trolling exacerbated her pain.
Funke recounted an incident where, overwhelmed by grief and public backlash, she locked herself in a room, grappling with her emotions. Reflecting on the ordeal, she expressed gratitude for finding the strength to seek help rather than succumbing to despair.
I see all the insults on social media. I’m a strong woman, but it got to a stage where I almost lost it mentally,” Funke shared. “When people accused me of abandoning Jumoke, it broke me. I was already depressed. I locked the door, but thank God I didn’t harm myself. Instead, I went live to clear the air.”
The actress also opened up about facing public mockery over her personal life, including her failed marriages, her mother’s passing, and political setbacks. She revealed that watching a video of women mocking her marital status pushed her to seek therapy—a decision that marked the beginning of her healing journey.
Every time I showed strength, more was thrown at me—at home, at work, and online. When my mom passed on, it was unbearable. Therapy saved me,” Funke admitted. Advocating for mental health support, she encouraged others to speak up and prioritize their well-being.
In response to past accusations of neglecting her late protégé, Funke debunked the claims, emphasizing her commitment to supporting people in need. Colleagues like Bimbo Akisanya and Alesh Sanni have also vouched for her generosity, recalling instances where she selflessly helped others behind the scenes.
