Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has spoken out strongly against online bullying directed at her 15-year-old brother following the circulation of a Snapchat video featuring the two.
The clip, which was originally shared as a lighthearted moment between siblings, quickly spread across multiple social media platforms. However, what began as harmless fun soon took a disturbing turn, as some users began mocking the teenager’s appearance.
In a post on X, Hilda Baci expressed her disappointment, revealing that she never anticipated the video would be reposted and used as a tool for ridicule. She noted that some individuals went as far as editing her brother’s photos to exaggerate his features for laughs.
The chef criticised adults who participated in the bullying, describing the behavior as deeply troubling.
“I never imagined that a lighthearted video with my 15-year-old brother would be taken from my Snapchat, reposted across different platforms, and turned into an excuse to bully a child,” she wrote.
She emphasized that her brother had done nothing wrong other than appearing in a playful video, adding that the hurtful comments say more about those making them than about the boy himself.
“If your idea of entertainment is tearing down a child, then that’s a reflection of your character, not his,” she stated.
Hilda went on to describe her brother as kind, loved, and full of potential, insisting that no amount of hateful commentary or manipulated images would define him.
She also reminded social media users of the real-life impact of their words, urging them to be more mindful of the consequences of online behavior.
“I hope, before you type another insult or share another edited image, you remember that there is a real teenager on the other side of your screen reading what you write. Do better.”
Her statement has since sparked conversations about cyberbullying, particularly the growing trend of targeting minors online, and the responsibility of users to promote kindness and empathy in digital spaces.
