Social media threats on celebrities are unfortunately a common occurrence in today’s digital age. These threats can come in the form of hateful messages, harassment, stalking, or even physical harm.
Celebrities are often targeted because of their high visibility and public personas, making them easy targets for individuals seeking attention or looking to cause harm.
In the past, it was sufficient to focus on preventing physical assaults and invasion of privacy targeting them [celebrities] or their circle of agents, personal assistants, and publicists. Now threats have moved to the cyber realm.
Celebrities face constant threats of personal information, pictures, and private details stolen, or phone and social media accounts hacked.
Some common types of threats that celebrities face on social media include; death threats, which are messages that explicitly state the intent to harm or kill the celebrity; Harassment, which can include repeated negative comments, messages, or posts directed at the celebrity with the intent to intimidate or cause distress; Stalking, which some individuals may use social media to track a celebrity’s movements, activities, or personal information to harass or harm them.
Also, some celebrities go through Doxxing. Doxxing is when someone publicly releases a celebrity’s private information, such as their address, phone number, or other personal details, with the intent to harm or intimidate them; and, cyberbullying, which involves the use of social media to spread rumors, lies, or other harmful content about a celebrity to damage their reputation or cause emotional distress.
Controversial social media commentator, Daniel Regha, revealed that he received death threats for his comments on X.
He noted that he always disguises himself while going out to avoid people identifying him in public and assaulting him.
“I get threats a lot. Recently, some people told me that they were going to shoot me if they saw me in Lagos, Ibadan, or Benin. They even put R.I.P. emojis, some even put guns and axes. It’s scary sometimes. But I just pray and ask God for protection. I’m not a troll. Definitely Not! I get threats a lot,” Daniel Regha.
These threats can have serious consequences for celebrities, both emotionally and physically. They may feel constantly on edge or fearful for their safety, and the constant barrage of negative messages can take a toll on their mental health. In some cases, celebrities may even need to take legal action or increase security measures to protect themselves from potential harm.
Social media platforms need to take these threats seriously and take action to remove harmful content and protect users from harassment. Celebrities can also take steps to protect themselves, such as limiting the amount of personal information they share online, blocking or reporting threatening individuals, and seeking support from mental health professionals or security experts.
Netizens need to know that celebrities are humans just like everyone else. They feel, eat, and live like anyone else, so these threats should be put to a stop as it has a toll on their mental health.
Celebrities rather need love and support to produce inspiring content.
Wendy Shay’s Heartbreaking Life Over Cyber Bullying
Ghanaian music sensation Wendy Shay opened up about her ongoing battle with cyberbullying, revealing that online harassment took a toll on her mental health.
The “Uber Driver” hitmaker disclosed that she reached a breaking point and made the difficult decision to stop reading comments on her social media posts.
The barrage of negative remarks, insults, derogatory messages, and death threats directed at her deeply affected her self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Despite her success in the music industry, Shay became a frequent target of online trolls and critics who attacked her appearance, talent, and personal life.
Despite the hurtful nature of these attacks, she opted not to report them to the police, explaining that they are the price to pay for being in showbiz.
“I don’t read comments anymore, my managers do that for me. They read and give me feedback on any necessary information. Just once in a while, I go through my socials, other than that, it is a conscious effort to block out the trolls. You know people create accounts just to bully me. I don’t report them because it is difficult to track a faceless person and find them,” Wendy Shay revealed.
Wendy Shay further added that cyberbullying did not only affect her mental health but also caused her to miss out on important deals and gigs.
She recounted how she had a potential opportunity with Thriller, but missed out on it as she did not see the direct message on time.
Nonetheless, she remains resilient and determined to overcome the negativity, urging her fans and followers to spread love and kindness instead of hate.
