Celebrity Clash Erupts Over Luxury Perfume Review
A heated exchange has unfolded between popular Nigerian influencer Yhemo Lee and food critic Opeyemi Famakin following a critical review of a luxury perfume created by Lee's wife, Thayour B. The controversy centers on the Pomelle fragrance, which retails for ₦160,000 and has reportedly sold out twice with over 1,000 bottles purchased.
The Critical Review That Sparked Controversy
Opeyemi Famakin, known for his candid food and lifestyle evaluations, purchased the "Ian Deux Pomelle" perfume and shared a detailed video review. While acknowledging the scent as sweet and pleasant, giving it approximately 7 out of 10 for fragrance quality, Famakin heavily criticized the packaging and overall presentation. He argued that at such a premium price point, customers rightfully expect flawless execution in every aspect of the product.
The critic ultimately assigned the perfume an overall rating of 5 out of 10, citing the packaging deficiencies and cost considerations as significant drawbacks. Famakin concluded that while the fragrance itself wasn't bad, it failed to meet expectations for its substantial price tag, leaving consumers wanting more for their investment.
Yhemo Lee's Fiery Response
Yhemo Lee responded vehemently through his Instagram story, accusing Famakin of unfair and misleading commentary. The influencer highlighted the perfume's commercial success, noting that Pomelle had become Thayour B's best-selling product despite the negative review. More significantly, Lee revealed that Famakin had allegedly demanded ₦6 million for a promotional review when the perfume initially launched, a proposal that Thayour B's marketing team reportedly declined.
"We no really send you for here. She has sold out that perfume twice with over 1,000 bottles sold. That particular pomelle you kept degrading is currently her best seller," Lee stated in his response. "Why don't you tell everyone the reason why your fat [expletive] is bitter? Her marketing team reached out to you when she launched for a video review, you charged 6m."
Lee suggested that Famakin's negative review stemmed from resentment after the promotional deal fell through, implying that the critic only purchased and reviewed the perfume after seeing its commercial success. The influencer questioned Famakin's motives and authenticity, challenging whether the review would have been different had the ₦6 million payment been made.
Social Media Reactions and Broader Context
The public exchange has generated significant attention across social media platforms, with netizens divided in their opinions. Some users supported Yhemo Lee's perspective, suggesting Famakin's criticism appeared motivated by bitterness over the rejected promotional deal. Others questioned the critic's consistency and methods, while some defended his right to offer honest evaluations regardless of business arrangements.
This incident follows previous controversies involving Opeyemi Famakin's reviews, including his critical assessment of a popular Ibadan restaurant where he discovered a bone in his Shawarma and gave mixed ratings to various menu items. The pattern of candid, sometimes controversial evaluations has established Famakin as a polarizing figure in Nigeria's food and lifestyle commentary space.
The clash between Yhemo Lee and Opeyemi Famakin highlights ongoing tensions between content creators, influencers, and critics in Nigeria's digital landscape. It raises questions about the intersection of commercial relationships and authentic criticism, particularly when substantial financial proposals are involved. As both parties maintain their positions, the incident continues to spark discussions about transparency, professionalism, and the boundaries of honest evaluation in Nigeria's growing influencer economy.
