Nollywood stars Lizzy Gold and Destiny Etiko have publicly reconciled after a two-year rift sparked by industry gossip, shedding light on the pressures of maintaining personal relationships in the spotlight. Gold revealed the details of their fallout and subsequent reconciliation in a candid Instagram post, which was later shared by Nigerian news outlet Media Talk Africa.
The actress explained that false narratives circulated by third parties drove a wedge between the former friends, leading to a prolonged period of silence. “Two years ago, we separated as friends because of ‘them say’ in Nollywood,” Gold wrote, using a colloquial phrase referencing hearsay. She admitted struggling with isolation during their estrangement, noting, “I became lonely because I don’t make friends easily like you do.”
Gold, however, praised Etiko’s ability to rebuild their bond, crediting her co-star’s sociable nature and emotional intelligence. “Thank God you realized you were deceived and came back,” she stated, emphasizing that Etiko remains the only industry peer who “truly understands” her. The post also touched on broader themes of trust and resilience, with Gold declaring herself “immune to negativity” and urging Etiko to prevent external influences from disrupting their friendship again.
The reconciliation highlights recurring challenges faced by public figures navigating personal connections within competitive entertainment circles. Industry observers note that gossip and misinformation often strain relationships among Nigerian film stars, whose personal lives are frequently subject to public speculation. Gold’s decision to address the issue openly underscores a growing trend of celebrities using social media to reclaim narratives and connect directly with audiences.
Etiko, known for her vibrant on-screen presence and active social media engagement, has yet to publicly respond to Gold’s post. However, the acknowledgment of her role in mending the friendship suggests a mutual effort to move past the conflict. Both actresses continue to be prominent figures in Nollywood, Africa’s prolific film industry, which has gained global recognition for its storytelling and cultural influence.
The incident serves as a reminder of the human impact of rumor-driven discord, even among public figures accustomed to scrutiny. As Gold’s message circulates online, fans have expressed support for the duo, with many applauding their transparency about the vulnerabilities behind the glamour of celebrity life.
