Actor Erica Fires At Critics Over Inability To Speak Igbo

Erica Nlewedim has struck back at online detractors following criticism of a viral video where she was seen speaking Igbo.

The footage captured Erica having difficulties with her mother tongue, prompting a barrage of critical responses on social media, particularly from other Igbo people.

Critics disparaged her language abilities and made derogatory comments about her cultural authenticity.

The actress and BBNaija alum responded defiantly to the controversy.

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Taking to X, she directly confronted the negative feedback and accused her fellow Igbos of internal hostility.

“Look at my Igbo people in the comments showing how much they hate their own! Continue but please don’t complain when others don’t show you love,” she wrote.

“You can’t be so openly divided against your own people and expect trust from outsiders!”

After another user mocked her language struggles, Erica shot back:

“Don’t you think it’s foolish for someone to choose to become your enemy because you can’t speak a language?”

“You don’t even see other tribes insulting themselves for not speaking their language. They are united!”

Her rebuke continued across multiple posts.

Erica went on to challenge how readily some Igbo people attack their own community members over personal matters like language proficiency.

“Is it your first instinct to insult someone who is (from your tribe) but can’t speak the language? And use words like pig, bitch, shame etc? Of course not! We on the other hand need to learn love and unity,” she added.

Reactions to her comments were divided – some supported her stance while others believed she unnecessarily escalated ethnic tensions by making comparisons to other groups.

One critic responded that her tweet “could have made the same point without dragging anyone else.”