Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has criticised the growing culture of ridiculing public figures on social media, urging people to show greater empathy toward celebrities.

Speaking during a recent interview on the CreativiTea podcast, Okanlawon addressed the relentless criticism and ridicule many public figures face online.

According to him, many people who attack celebrities do so without understanding the immense pressure and unique challenges that come with living in the public eye.

He stressed the need for greater compassion, noting that public figures are human beings who also grapple with personal struggles despite their fame.

According to him, “I see people who have no idea what the challenge is that people in the spotlight are facing. They just come up with a lot of things. It’s sad to see.”

Deyemi particularly called out the use of the word “yeyebrities” to describe celebrities.

He described the label as dismissive and unfair, adding that belittling other people’s success often prevents one from achieving their own.

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“People even call celebrities ‘yeyebrities’ because I’m like, whatever you diminish in somebody else’s life, you can never achieve,” he said.

He also cautioned against assuming fame will never touch one’s own family.

According to him, anyone could find themselves or a loved one in the spotlight in the future, and the same harsh treatment could be directed at them.

“So, let’s just pray that in your lineage, nobody finds their way into the spotlight, because if that happens, then you’ve opened up the door for such things to be said about them,” Deyemi stated.

The actor ended by urging the public to lead with empathy instead of insults.