Ex-reality TV star and actress, Erica Nlewedim has fired back at critics from her own ethnic group after receiving heavy backlash for not speaking Igbo fluently in a viral video
The video, which showed Erica casually chatting while trying to speak Igbo, sparked a wave of ethnic insults and harsh criticism from some Igbo commenters.
In response, Erica took to X in a series of fiery tweets to express her disappointment and frustration.
She wrote:
“Don’t you think it’s foolish for someone to choose to become your enemy just because you can’t speak a language? You don’t see other tribes insulting their own over language—they are united!”
Erica compared the reaction to what she believes would happen in other ethnic groups:
“Yoruba people, correct me if I’m wrong, but is it your first instinct to insult someone who’s Yoruba but doesn’t speak the language? Do you call them pigs, shame them, or drag them like this? Of course not. We, on the other hand, need to learn love and unity.”
Sharing her personal experience, she added:
“When I say I’m from somewhere else, Igbo people are usually warm and welcoming. But the moment I say I’m Igbo and can’t speak the language, the love turns into insults. I’m still the same person. Why the change?”
Erica emphasized that her initial video was innocent and part of an effort to learn the language, not to disrespect it.
“Please keep quiet. The reason for this tweet is the ethnic insults that came from a simple video where I was gisting and trying to learn Igbo. Don’t throw stones and hide your hands.”
She also criticized the division within the Igbo community:
“Look at my Igbo people in the comments, showing how much they hate their own. Keep going, but don’t complain when others don’t show you love. You can’t be this divided and still expect outsiders to trust or respect you.”
In a more defiant tone, Erica wrote:
“I can make more money than the people who can cook. I can hire a cook, I can hire a language teacher—I can even pay your salary. 🥰😘”
She ended her rant by reminding fans that she has been living her life privately and is unbothered by online negativity:
“I think you guys just missed me because I’ve been living my life off social media. The goal is to make money and disappear. It’s not like you’ll see me in real life to say these things anyway. Enjoy!”
Erica’s response has reignited conversations around language, identity, and internal discrimination within ethnic groups in Nigeria. While some supported her stance and called for more tolerance, others maintained that fluency in one’s native language remains a core part of cultural pride.
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