Actress Rita Edochie has slammed online trolls while paying tribute to plus-sized dancer, Chinelo Vivian Muomah, who passed away recently after complications from surgery.

The actress also took a strong stance against online bullying and body-shaming, pointing out that those who mocked Chinelo’s appearance may have contributed to her decision to undergo surgery.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Rita expressed shock and sadness over Chinelo’s untimely death, revealing that she had expected the dancer to debunk the news until she saw the pamphlets announcing her demise.

Rita’s emotional post described the moment she learned of Chinelo’s passing, saying her “heart sank, my hands went cold, and suddenly the world around me felt heavy.”

She condemned the practice of using social media to mock and judge others, adding pain to already wounded souls.

In her tribute, Rita remembered Chinelo as more than just her body, but as a person who embodied light, love, and kindness.

She wrote: “Chaiiii! I was expecting her to debunk the story of her death, tagging it an expensive rumour, not until I saw these pamphlets on her page.

“My heart sank, my hands went cold, and suddenly the world around me felt heavy. I still can’t believe she’s gone. How do you accept that someone full of life, laughter, and light is no longer here with us?

“Death has a way of snatching people away too soon, leaving them with only memories to hold on to.

Hers will forever remain a treasure – her kindness, strength, and joy.

“And to those who constantly body shamed her, pointing at her tummy and mocking her imperfections – well done. You planted the insecurities, you pushed her into a corner, and in the end, she went in for a surgery she never returned from.

“Are you happy now? She’s gone. you can now rest, isn’t it? But remember this: The blood of her silence, the tears of her struggle, and the weight of your words will echo louder than your laughter ever did.

“Social media was meant to be a place where people come to vent their sorrows, struggles, and depression in a bid to derive joy and enjoy peace of mind coupled with constant happiness, but no. These netizens have turned it into a weapon— mocking, judging, and adding more pain to already wounded souls. It is bad, very bad.

“She was more than her body; she was light, love, and human, and now, all we have left is her memory. Rest well, dear one. Your absence is deeply felt, but your impact will never fade. I pray for God’s comfort upon your great family, giving them fortitude to bear the loss, Amen. Ije Oma Nnem ooo”.