Veteran Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has publicly disclosed that her children are facing bullying at school as a direct result of false social media narratives circulating about her and her family. The appeal was made in an online video shared by the actress on January 20, 2026, where she described the emotional harm suffered by her teens because of what she calls unsubstantiated rumours.
In the video shared on her verified Instagram page, Johnson warned netizens and content creators that when unverified claims gain traction online, they can have real-world consequences for families, especially children who are too young to defend themselves. She said that some parents had instructed their own children to avoid her children, in some cases even discouraging contact with school bags because of circulating speculation that she is involved in witchcraft, a claim she has strongly denied.
Johnson also indicated she is prepared to pursue legal action against individuals and platforms that spread defamation, saying she has already taken steps in some instances and will continue to protect her family’s reputation through the courts if necessary. Her message was framed as a plea for responsible digital behaviour and respect for privacy.
The situation underscores growing concerns among public figures and ordinary citizens alike about the impact of social media rumours on mental health and social environments, particularly for children. Many experts have highlighted that bullying and stigma rooted in misinformation can harm school performance and emotional wellbeing, while calls for digital accountability continue to gain traction.
Mercy Johnson’s comments come amid broader debates in Nigeria about online defamation, digital ethics, and the responsibilities of content creators and bloggers in shaping narratives that reach wide audiences.
