Phyna Clarifies Viral Video, Denies Claims She Hasn’t Received BBN Prize Money
Reality TV star Josephine Ijioma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has addressed recent rumors surrounding her N100 million grand prize from the 2022 Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality show.
The controversy reignited after a video surfaced online in which Phyna was alleged to have said she had not received her prize money. During a recent livestream on Twitch, she clarified that the viral clip was maliciously edited and misrepresented her words.
Phyna explained that in the full video, she was merely responding to questions from fans who mocked her for becoming a streamer despite winning the N100 million prize years ago. She emphasized, “I never said I have not received my 100 million naira. I was only talking to people who asked me if the 100 million naira has finished.”
She further revealed that the misleading video almost sparked a legal dispute with BBN organisers, who were concerned by the claims. Phyna urged the public and bloggers to watch the full video on Twitch to understand the context and warned that she would take legal action against anyone who edits her content in a way that puts her at risk.
Opinion: The Perils of Misrepresentation in the Social Media Era
Phyna’s situation highlights a growing challenge for public figures: the viral distortion of statements. Even an innocent comment can be twisted, sparking unnecessary controversy and potential legal consequences.
Her response is a strong reminder of the need for responsible content sharing online. While fans and followers crave snippets and soundbites, the danger lies in decontextualizing words for clicks and engagement.
Phyna’s insistence on clarifying her statement and holding bloggers accountable is not just about protecting her reputation—it’s about reclaiming control over her narrative in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly.
Her experience should encourage both fans and media practitioners to exercise caution and integrity when sharing content, ensuring that public figures are not unfairly misrepresented.
