Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has spoken out for the first time following heavy criticism over a viral video showing her partying shortly after her sister’s burial.
Phyna lost her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, in a tragic accident involving a Dangote truck in August 2025. Ruth was laid to rest in September.
However, a recent clip of the reality TV star partying in a nightclub alongside Nollywood actress Regina Daniels stirred outrage on social media, with some users accusing Phyna of being “insensitive” and moving on too quickly from her loss.
While Regina Daniels earlier defended Phyna — urging the public not to judge how others grieve — the outspoken media personality had remained silent until now.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Phyna shared an emotional message addressing the backlash, stressing that grief is a deeply personal process.
“Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry.
Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence,” she wrote.
Phyna’s heartfelt response has since sparked renewed conversations about grief, mental health, and how public figures are often judged for expressing emotions differently.
