A recent social media post by a photographer claiming to have worked with Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has ignited a heated conversation online about celebrity appearances, ageing, and professional conduct.
Photographer's Viral Claim on Tonto Dikeh's Appearance
The controversy began when an X user, identified as @kenn_of, posted a comment about the actress's look. The user, who presented himself as a photographer, claimed he was part of the team that covered her son's birthday celebration earlier in the year. In his post, which went viral, he stated: "Tonto is not even fresh anymore, nah, just makeup. I was part of the team that covered her son's birthday this year. She still looks good and all vibes, but you can’t avoid old age."
This candid remark, shared on Elon Musk’s X platform, quickly drew the attention of fans and critics alike, turning the actress's natural appearance into a trending topic.
Mixed Reactions and Defence of the Actress
The photographer's observation sparked a wave of reactions across social media. While some users criticized his comments as unprofessional and disrespectful, a significant number of others came to Tonto Dikeh's defence, framing ageing as a natural and blessed process.
Many netizens pointed out the irony of criticizing someone for a universal experience. User @veevogee commented, "Old age is a blessing, I wonder why some people act like they’ll never grow old. Tufiakwa." Another, @swee_choco_, added, "Aging is a big blessing!!! Pray to age gracefully and stylishly too."
However, the photographer also faced severe backlash for his post. User @vivian_iso wrote, "I hope people sees this and don't contact you anymore for jobs or gigs. You are not a nice person, both professionally and personally. Sad.." Others, like @jennygagathe1st, reminded him that Tonto was a client who had provided him with work, stating, "A woman that has patronized you. Someone God used to put food on your table."
Tonto Dikeh's Spiritual Journey and Son's Achievement
This incident comes amid Tonto Dikeh's public embrace of a deeper spiritual life. On Sunday, November 9, the actress shared a reflective video from a year prior, where she led a prayer session at a friend's wedding. She spoke passionately about her transformed relationship with God, noting how her "prayer hours have multiplied" and her spirit had found a "new dimension."
In other positive family news, Legit.ng recalled that Tonto Dikeh recently celebrated her son, Andre's, academic success. The proud mother showcased his result sheet, where he scored an impressive 10 A's and 2 B's, rewarding him with a promised iPhone 14.
The online debate triggered by the photographer's comments underscores the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding their image. It also highlights a broader cultural conversation about respecting the natural ageing process and maintaining professionalism, even in the informal realm of social media.
