Former Big Brother Naija housemate Erica Nlewedim has opened up about the emotional challenges she experienced during and after the reality show, revealing that years of online insults eventually led her to seek professional support.
The actress and entrepreneur made the disclosure during an interview with media personality Toke Makinwa, where she reflected on her experience as a contestant on the 2020 BBNaija Lockdown edition.
Erica said she would never participate in a reality show similar to BBNaija again, despite acknowledging that the programme significantly changed her life financially and professionally.
“I’ll never go to a show like Big Brother Naija again in my life. I’m happy I did it because, of course, it changed my life money-wise, but I’m never doing it again if I’m given the opportunity,” she said.
According to Erica, the insults and criticism she received from the public continued for about three years after her participation in the show.
She said the prolonged backlash affected her emotional well-being to the point where she had to seek the help of a therapist.
“I was getting like three years of back-to-back insults. I had to see a therapist because of that show,” she said.
Erica disclosed that she eventually sought professional support in 2024 while trying to cope with the lasting emotional impact of her reality television experience.
Despite the difficulties, she maintained that participating in BBNaija was life-changing, particularly in terms of financial opportunities, public visibility and career growth.
Since leaving the reality show, Erica has built a career in the Nigerian entertainment industry, appearing in Nollywood productions and securing endorsement deals with several brands.
She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, including the establishment of her skincare business.
Erica rose to prominence after participating in the 2020 BBNaija Lockdown season, becoming one of the most talked-about housemates during and after the show.
Her latest revelation highlights the pressures that can accompany reality television fame, particularly the intense scrutiny contestants face from audiences and social media users after leaving the programme.
While BBNaija has continued to provide contestants with opportunities for greater visibility, entertainment careers and business ventures, Erica’s experience also underscores the potential emotional cost of prolonged public criticism.
The reality star said that despite everything she gained from the programme, she would not willingly put herself through a similar experience again.