The death of Nigerian socialite Elena Jessica following complications from cosmetic surgery has ignited conversations online, with Nollywood actresses Nkechi Blessing Sunday and Uche Ogbodo sharing contrasting perspectives on the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure and the pressures women face regarding body image.
In a video posted on Instagram, Blessing criticised what she described as hypocrisy among men who encourage women to embrace their natural bodies publicly but ridicule them privately, pushing some toward cosmetic surgery.
“Men? I have been seeing a lot of love yourself, you are beautiful the way you are from men. Wow! You people? If I talk now, they would say Nkechi has started, and I do not really meddle in things that do not concern me, but this one does,” she said.
She also condemned individuals who made derogatory remarks about Jessica after her death, recalling a comment that labelled the deceased a “prostitute.”
“Because I have seen that one bingo come out to call the lady who died a prostitute. Same to you? It is going to be a long time before Nigerians have sense. You people would bully people to a point where they do not have another choice but to surgically correct the things that you made you people insult them.”
Despite the pressure she says women face, the actress maintained that she has no plans to undergo cosmetic surgery, adding that she is comfortable with her body.
“And then you will still come back and… Men? Now listen, no amount of bullying, insult or abuse meted out to me would make me go and look for one doctor to fix myself. You see this big stomach, I will rock it with pride. This stomach has built houses, bought cars, and so many other things. This is a very successful stomach,” she added.
Blessing, however, said she respects personal choices, explaining that if she were to consider surgery, it would only be for weight loss.
“I am going to say something just because of the young ladies following me, do whatever you think is okay for your body, but you see me, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, if I will recommend any surgery, and if I will do any surgery in this life, it is going to be weight loss surgery.
“You see, going to add and remove… Did you see that video? May God rest her soul. I am not here to talk about anybody, I am not here to judge anybody because one way or the other everybody would still do what they love, but from men?”
Also reacting to the incident, Ogbodo urged people to approach the conversation with balance. She acknowledged that while BBL procedures carry risks, they should not automatically be viewed negatively.
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“BBL may be considered a risky surgery, but that does not make it a bad surgery. What matters most is proper research, a qualified surgeon, and doing it for the right reasons. For many women, especially after childbirth, the body changes in ways that exercise alone may not fully restore,” she wrote.
“A mummy makeover can be a powerful decision for women who want to reclaim their confidence, feel comfortable in their bodies again, and look as beautiful as they feel inside.
“Motherhood is beautiful, but so is choosing to take care of yourself. You deserve to feel good, look good, and love the woman you see in the mirror.”
The reactions from both actresses have further fueled discussions on social media about cosmetic surgery, body shaming, and the societal expectations placed on women.