Food Critic Opeyemi Famakin Addresses Body-Shaming Controversy with Yhemo Lee
Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has publicly responded to derogatory comments made by socialite Adeyemi Idowu, widely known as Yhemo Lee, in a heated exchange that has captured social media attention. The dispute originated from Famakin's review of a high-end perfume created by Yhemo Lee's wife, which escalated into personal insults and accusations.
The Spark: A Perfume Review Ignites Feud
The controversy began when Opeyemi Famakin evaluated a perfume priced at ₦160,000, produced by Yhemo Lee's spouse, Thayour B. While Famakin acknowledged Yhemo Lee positively in his assessment, he highlighted concerns regarding the product's quality and packaging. This critique prompted a strong reaction from Yhemo Lee, who alleged that Famakin had rejected a ₦6 million offer for a favorable review and resorted to personal attacks, including labeling Famakin a 'fat fool'.
Famakin's Video Response: Challenging Body-Shaming Hypocrisy
In a video that has since gone viral, Opeyemi Famakin addressed the body-shaming remarks directly. He turned his body to showcase his physical transformation, effectively disputing the 'fat fool' characterization. Beyond his personal defense, Famakin used the platform to critique a broader societal issue, pointing out the inconsistency in how Nigerians often condemn body shaming in theory but practice it when targeting individuals they dislike.
"Nigerians will preach against body shaming, they'll say that body shaming is bad, don't body shame someone. Body shaming is this, and that, and the same people who preached body shaming is bad, when it comes to somebody that they don't like, the thing they preached against, they will do it to them. That's why I always say do not ever listen to the words of Nigerians because they are liars. Listen to their actions," Famakin stated in the video.
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
The feud has elicited diverse responses from netizens, reflecting divided opinions on the matter:
- @AbiolaAbdul commented, "And I think Famakin was just being honest with that review though. Yemolee is turning out to be an uncout guy. He just talks anyhow."
- @Halosznn_ questioned, "But I didn't hear him talking about the perfume in a bad way apart from the prints. Or am I missing something please?"
- @Rhymes_by_wonda wrote, "Opeyemi is no longer fat, he's only F00lish! Yhemolee should get his facts clear."
- @Elejenum reacted, "Opeyemi does not filter his words when giving criticism, which is why they often hit his insecurities. He has loosened up, but I know it still hurts him."
- @shollywadash said, "This is true for Nigerians and citizens of every other country in the world… it's a people thing! However, horrible it was, it doesn't absorb you of being a horrible person either.. 2 wrongs can exist.. You shld all do better."
- @mr_chiboi noted, "This is facts. Nigerians hate body shaming in theory, but practice it freely when emotions enter. Once you're 'the enemy,' all the morals disappear. We don't actually hate body shaming, we just hate it when it's done to our people."
Background: Famakin's Previous Restaurant Review
This incident follows another recent review by Opeyemi Famakin that stirred reactions. He evaluated a popular eatery in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he complained about finding a bone in his Shawarma despite praising the meal's taste. Famakin rated the fried rice 3.5 out of 10 and the Jollof rice 5.5 out of 10, giving an overall experience score of 5.2 out of 10.
The ongoing dispute between Opeyemi Famakin and Yhemo Lee highlights not only personal conflicts among Nigerian celebrities but also broader issues of body shaming and ethical conduct in public discourse. As the video continues to circulate, it prompts reflection on how principles are often abandoned in moments of emotional confrontation.