On May 2, 2025, the Nigerian entertainment scene erupted when a simple Instagram video from Nollywood darling Mercy Johnson spiraled into a full-blown social media showdown. The actress, known for her radiant charm and powerhouse performances, posted a clip showcasing a strikingly slimmer figure while promoting weight loss products. What seemed like a routine endorsement quickly became the epicenter of a controversy, pitting two of Nigeria’s most vocal social commentators - Solomon Buchi and Daniel Regha against each other in a war of words that left netizens buzzing.
Mercy Johnson promoting her weight loss products and flaunting her new look
The drama kicked off when Daniel Regha, infamous for his unfiltered takes on everything from celebrity fashion to political scandals, commented on Mercy’s transformed look. In a now-viral post on X, Regha bluntly declared, “I don’t like how Mercy Johnson is looking recently.” The statement, devoid of context or nuance, struck a nerve. Fans of the actress flooded the platform with reactions, some praising her sleek new physique, others questioning if Regha’s critique crossed a line. But it was Solomon Buchi’s scathing response that turned the heat up to boiling.
Buchi, a writer and relationship coach known for his bold and often polarizing opinions, didn’t hold back. Quoting Regha’s post on X at 9:09 AM on May 2, he fired off a blistering rebuke: “You’re silly. You don’t like how a married woman looks because she lost weight? She might be ill, depressed, going through stuff, but what matters to you is ‘what you like’.” Buchi didn’t stop there. He drew a poignant parallel to the late Chadwick Boseman, whose weight loss was mocked online before the world learned of his battle with stage 4 cancer. “Stop commenting on people’s weight,” Buchi urged. “If you can’t be kind, just shut up.” The post, dripping with righteous indignation, sent shockwaves through social media, trending within hours.
Mercy Johnson, a mother of four and wife to politician Prince Okojie, has long been a beloved figure in Nollywood. Her recent video, posted on April 29, 2025, showed her confidently flaunting her weight loss, a result of her endorsement of slimming products. While some fans gushed over her discipline, others expressed concern, noting she looked “too lean.” The polarized reactions set the stage for Regha’s comment, which many saw as insensitive given the lack of insight into Mercy’s personal circumstances. Was her transformation a deliberate choice, a health issue, or something deeper? Regha’s failure to consider these possibilities fueled Buchi’s outrage.
As the feud unfolded, netizens split into camps. Team Regha argued he was entitled to his opinion, with some X users claiming Mercy’s public role made her appearance fair game for scrutiny. “She’s a celeb, she signed up for this,” one user wrote. Meanwhile, Team Buchi rallied behind his call for empathy, with fans praising his defense of Mercy’s dignity. “Solomon said what needed to be said. You don’t body-shame someone without knowing their story,” tweeted another. The clash dominated online conversations, with hashtags like #MercyJohnson and #BuchiVsRegha trending across Nigeria.
The incident raises bigger questions about celebrity culture and the fine line between free speech and sensitivity. Regha’s critics argue his comment was reckless, especially in an era where mental health and body image are hot-button issues. Buchi’s supporters, meanwhile, see him as a voice of reason, challenging the toxic habit of judging others’ bodies. Mercy herself has yet to address the feud directly, but her silence only amplifies the intrigue. Is she unbothered, or quietly weathering the storm?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this clash has struck a chord. It’s a reminder that behind every celebrity transformation lies a human story - one that deserves respect over snap judgments. Whether you’re Team Buchi, Team Regha, or just here for the tea, this drama has hooked us all, proving once again that in the world of Nigerian entertainment, a single post can ignite a firestorm.
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