“Don’t Talk to Me Rudely, I Don’t Deserve It” – Chef Dammy Breaks Down After Flood of Harsh Messages from Trolls

Nigerian culinary sensation Chef Dammy has once again found herself in the center of online drama after taking to social media to express her deep frustration and emotional exhaustion over a wave of negative messages and harsh criticism flooding her direct messages. The young chef, who rose to fame for her ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, took to her Instagram story to plead with her followers to treat her with basic respect, saying, “Don’t talk to me rudely. I don’t deserve it at all.”

Her statement, simple yet heavy with emotion, quickly drew public attention. It was not the first time Chef Dammy had voiced how overwhelming the pressure of fame and public scrutiny can be. Since her brief rise to stardom, she has faced both adoration and intense backlash online — from supporters who hail her ambition to critics who accuse her of arrogance, inconsistency, and seeking attention. But this time, the tone was different. It was raw, unfiltered, and painfully human.

Chef Dammy, whose full name is Damilola Adeparusi, became a household name after her bold decision to embark on a 120-hour cooking marathon in Ekiti State, an attempt that stirred nationwide attention and controversy. Although her record attempt was not officially recognized by the Guinness World Records, it opened doors for her in the Nigerian entertainment and culinary scene. Yet, with the fame came an endless stream of online bullying, harsh comparisons, and unsolicited advice — things she now says have deeply affected her mental health.

In her recent post, she confessed that she was tired of being treated like a punching bag for online frustrations. “I am not perfect, but I am trying my best,” she reportedly wrote in follow-up messages. “I am a young woman chasing her dreams, not someone who deserves hate or disrespect. Every time I log in, someone has something mean to say. Please, if you have nothing good to say, just keep scrolling.” Her words struck a chord with many who have followed her journey since the viral cooking marathon.

Many social media users rushed to her defense, calling out the toxic culture of online trolling that has become a norm in Nigeria’s social media space. Some fans expressed heartbreak over how easily people tear down young talents who are simply trying to make something of themselves. “The same people who praised her when she was cooking are now the ones sending cruel messages,” one user commented. “People forget she’s human. She has feelings too.”

Others, however, argued that Chef Dammy’s handling of fame contributed to the backlash. They pointed out that her tone during interviews and social media posts sometimes came off as defensive or proud, making it easier for critics to pounce. Still, even those who criticized her acknowledged that no one deserves to be verbally abused or bullied. “You can disagree with someone or even dislike them, but attacking their personality or sending hateful DMs crosses the line,” another user wrote.

The young chef’s emotional reaction highlights a growing issue among public figures and influencers — the toll of social media toxicity. While platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have given creators the power to build careers and communities, they have also exposed them to relentless criticism, pressure to be perfect, and constant judgment. For someone as young as Chef Dammy, the sudden shift from anonymity to nationwide scrutiny can be overwhelming.

A source close to the chef revealed that she has been struggling silently with the mental burden of being in the spotlight. “She’s been through a lot since the cook-a-thon,” the source said. “People think she’s strong, but sometimes it gets too much. She’s only human. She reads everything people say about her, and not all of it is nice. Some of the DMs she gets are heartbreaking — people calling her names, mocking her achievements, even wishing her bad luck.”

Despite the negativity, Chef Dammy has continued to show resilience. In the months following her record attempt, she launched several culinary projects, including pop-up events and cooking classes, and became a motivational speaker for young women chasing unconventional dreams. However, with every step forward, the online criticism seems to follow her like a shadow.

Her recent outburst is not just a cry for empathy — it’s a reminder that public figures are still human beings behind the screens. The internet can be cruelly detached, turning people’s real emotions into entertainment. For Chef Dammy, who started out simply wanting to showcase her passion for cooking, the transformation into a public figure seems to have come with a cost she didn’t bargain for.

Many Nigerians have expressed hope that she gets the emotional support she needs. Some mental health advocates also used the moment to call attention to the rising cases of cyberbullying and its devastating effects. “This is what happens when we forget that our words have consequences,” one psychologist wrote on X. “Fame doesn’t make you immune to pain. We need to teach empathy in the digital age.”

Even as the controversy continues, Chef Dammy’s message has resonated with many people who understand what it feels like to be judged unfairly. Her plea — “Don’t talk to me rudely. I don’t deserve it at all” — is a universal call for kindness, one that transcends her personal struggles. It speaks to the growing exhaustion many young Nigerians feel from living in a hypercritical society where social media amplifies both admiration and hate.

Her story mirrors that of many other young influencers who have found themselves thrust into the limelight only to be torn down by the same audience that built them. In an era where fame can be instant and fleeting, the emotional toll of being “known” is often underestimated. Chef Dammy’s vulnerability may just be the reminder society needs that behind every public post is a private life — one that deserves peace, respect, and empathy.

As conversations around her emotional post continue to trend, several celebrities and content creators have publicly shown support for her. Some encouraged her to take a social media break to recharge, while others urged her to stay strong and focus on her purpose. “Chef Dammy has inspired many young people,” one popular influencer said. “She doesn’t need validation from trolls. Her story is far from over.”

Whether or not Chef Dammy decides to step back from the online space, her heartfelt message has sparked a necessary conversation about kindness and accountability on social media. In a world where likes, comments, and DMs can shape someone’s mood or even their mental health, it’s a wake-up call to remember that empathy costs nothing.

For now, the young chef’s words linger like an emotional echo in the digital crowd — a reminder that even those who cook for the world sometimes need the world to be gentle with them. And as she put it simply but powerfully: “Don’t talk to me rudely. I don’t deserve it at all.”