The death of socialite Elena Jessica from complications following cosmetic surgery has sparked online reactions, with actresses Nkechi Blessing and Uche Ogbodo offering different perspectives on the pressures and choices surrounding the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure.
In a video posted to Instagram, Blessing accused men of hypocrisy for shaming women’s natural bodies while simultaneously condemning those who seek surgical solutions.
She argued that men often publicly advise women to embrace their natural appearance, yet their private bullying creates the very insecurity that drives women to undergo dangerous procedures.
The actress called out those who denigrated Jessica following her death, referring to one commenter who labelled the deceased a “prostitute”.
“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.
“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.”
Blessing said, despite the criticism she has faced over the years, she has no intention of undergoing cosmetic surgery.
The actress, however, clarified that she is not against people making personal choices about their bodies, adding that she can only undergo weight loss surgery.
“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.
“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?”
Echoing the call for nuance, fellow actress Uche Ogbodo also weighed in on the issue. In an Instagram post, she acknowledged that while a BBL is considered a risky surgery, it is “not necessarily a bad one”.
Ogbodo stressed that the decision should be based on thorough research, the choice of a qualified surgeon, and the right personal motivations.
“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.”
