Chef Dammy Opens Up on Cyberbullying and Emotional Struggles After Cook-a-thon Fame

Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the fame she gained during her 2023 cook-a-thon attempt.

In a recent snippet of her interview with Instablog9ja, the young chef reflected on how unprepared she was for the sudden spotlight and the storm of reactions that followed.

Dammy revealed that she hadn’t even informed her parents about the marathon cooking attempt before going live, saying, “Even the cookathon, I didn’t know it was going to be viral. I didn’t even tell my parents about it; they just saw me. I was shocked to see myself on social media.”

While her attempt brought her nationwide recognition, Dammy said the wave of cyberbullying and real-life assault she endured at the time broke her emotionally.

“If you had asked me this question two years ago or a year ago, I might be crying. But now I’m happy I can talk about this without crying. The cyberbullying was just a little compared to what I experienced in real life. I was bullied, I was assaulted. I was broken. Social media broke me.”

Despite the painful memories, she expressed gratitude for reaching a point where she can now speak about her journey without breaking down.

Opinion:
Chef Dammy’s story is a reminder of how fame — especially when it comes suddenly — can be both a blessing and a burden. In Nigeria’s social media-driven age, it takes just one viral moment to thrust someone into the limelight, but what often follows is a wave of scrutiny, criticism, and, sadly, bullying.

Her openness is not just courageous but necessary. By sharing her truth, Dammy sheds light on the unseen battles many public figures face beyond the applause and trending hashtags. Fame may look glamorous on the surface, but behind it are often real human emotions, vulnerabilities, and struggles.

What makes her story even more inspiring is her resilience. To move from tears to confidence, from pain to expression, is proof that healing is possible with time and strength. Her journey should also spark an important conversation about empathy online. Before we type harsh words or jump into viral trends, it’s worth remembering that behind every screen is a human being.

Chef Dammy’s voice today is more than just about food or cooking marathons — it’s about survival, growth, and courage. And that, perhaps, is her greatest achievement yet.