Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has responded sharply to social media users who claimed she suffers from arthritis after a video of her dancing surfaced online.
The actress addressed the speculation in a post on Instagram, questioning how critics could associate her movements and active lifestyle with a physical condition. She said her frequent travels, long hours spent standing and ongoing movie promotions demonstrated her energy and flexibility.
Edochie also challenged those spreading the claims to compare her level of activity with that of their own mothers.
“Can their mothers ever be as strong, active, energetic, and flexible as I am? Impossible!” she wrote.
The actress further accused some commenters of making the claims because she was receiving attention online. In another pointed remark, she said, “Your empty head can only find arthritis to talk about.”
The controversy has attracted attention because health-related speculation involving public figures can quickly spread across social media, particularly when comments are based on appearances or short video clips rather than verified medical information.
Edochie urged social media users to be more careful about how they discuss other people, warning that persistent online attacks can negatively affect individuals and potentially contribute to emotional distress. She also made clear that the criticism would not stop her from sharing content with her followers.
The actress is a veteran figure in Nigeria’s film industry and has maintained a strong presence on social media, where she regularly shares updates about her personal activities and movie projects.
The latest episode highlights the growing influence of social media on celebrity conversations in Nigeria. It also underscores the need for caution when making claims about another person’s health without reliable evidence. In Edochie’s case, the arthritis reports emerged from online speculation following her dance video, while her response firmly rejected the claims.
