Etinosa Idemudia criticises ‘fake’ celebrity tributes, warns against posting private DMs after death

Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has criticised the growing trend of celebrities sharing private messages and emotional tributes only after a colleague’s death, describing the practice as insincere.

Speaking during a recent podcast, the actress warned against posting unreplied direct messages or personal conversations after someone passes away, particularly by people who ignored them while they were alive.

“All those people that post people’s DM when they are dead, if you post my DM, I’ll wake up, slap you and go back to the grave. Don’t try it,” she said.

Etinosa also called out movie producers and colleagues who allegedly refuse to collaborate with actors during their lifetime but later share emotional tributes after their deaths.

According to her, such public displays often appear performative and aimed at gaining attention on social media rather than genuinely honouring the deceased.

Her comments come amid online reactions following the reported death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, which prompted several celebrities and friends to share memories and alleged private conversations with him.

The actress’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users agreeing that many celebrity tributes appear insincere, while others defended public expressions of grief.