Monalisa Stephen, a Nigerian actress and content creator, has recounted her experiences in an abusive relationship.
In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, she disclosed that she failed to recognize the signs of abuse until she experienced physical violence firsthand.
She stated, “I didn’t really know it was a thing. I used to hear other women talk about it, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. I used to believe, ‘I’m a huge woman with a big body, why would anyone want to beat me?’ But it has nothing to do with your body.
“You can be abused whether you’re fat or not. When I got the first slap, I was shocked. What led to the slap wasn’t even worth it. I was dazed. The experience was unexpected, and I felt really bad because this was someone I trusted. Even though he was below my league, I lowered my standards to date him.
“This person kept beating me and humiliating me. I asked him, ‘Why do you keep doing this to me?’ and he said his friend told him that people like me need to be ‘bent’ so he could dominate me. That made me see some men in a different light.”
She also emphasized that while many believe public figures do not encounter difficulties, the truth is quite different. Furthermore, she pointed out that some individuals, including those seeking relationships with them, perceive celebrities as potential targets.
In other news, Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has expressed that her decision to divorce her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, stands as the most significant choice she has ever made.
She conveyed this sentiment while offering guidance to another single mother who had reached out to her through Instagram direct message, inquiring about her coping mechanisms following her ex-partner’s departure from their lives.
In her response, Dikeh clarified that it was she who chose to leave the marriage for the well-being of both herself and her son, rather than the opposite.
Dikeh stated, “First and foremost, I was the one who chose to walk away from my marriage, not the other way around. I needed to escape a difficult situation, not just for my own sake, but for my child as well. Best decision I ever made.”
She encouraged the woman to recognize her potential to evolve into the person she wishes to be, provided she dedicates herself to personal growth and self-investment.
In a message shared on her Instagram account, Dikeh wrote, “Dear single mothers, I do not possess a guide for navigating these challenges. I am not an expert in this journey.
“My greatest lesson has come from love. I allow God to work in my life, and His guidance suffices for me. Find strength in God, and above all, maintain the privacy of your family matters.”
It is worth noting that Tonto Dikeh’s marriage to Churchill ended in 2017 amid allegations of infidelity and domestic violence. The union resulted in the birth of a son.
Despite their separation, the former couple continues to engage in disputes on social media, with Tonto accusing Churchill of being an irresponsible father.
In response, Churchill has asserted that it is Dikeh who has obstructed his access to their child.
