Renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has revealed how public ridicule surrounding her personal life helped her grow stronger and motivated her to achieve greater success in her career.
Speaking on the Chude Live Conversation Show, Akindele shared her personal journey, describing how the criticism of her relationships and her transitions between marriages became a driving force for her rather than a setback.
During the event, which allowed celebrities to openly discuss their personal experiences, challenges, and accomplishments, Akindele explained how public judgment shaped her into the resilient woman she is today.
She recounted an incident where she was mocked online for not having a husband, saying, “There was a video on social media where some women mocked me for not having a husband. My God, I saw all the insults and posts about how I moved from one marriage to another.”
The actress admitted that the negative attention brought her to tears, but she soon realized the importance of seeking help.
“I cried and cried. I told myself, I need to speak to someone. You can’t keep this inside,” she shared. She reached out for support and started speaking to a therapist, which helped her feel better and gain perspective.
She emphasized the importance of speaking up in difficult times, adding, “I’m much stronger now. I can face any challenge that comes my way. After going through the blackmailing, I became tougher. I used the mockery as fuel to create a film.”
Akindele also reflected on a defining moment in her career, recalling how a fellow filmmaker once doubted her ability to achieve box office success.
Despite discouragement, she proved her critics wrong and achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing one billion views with one of her films.