Reality television star Josephine Ijioma Otabor, known to her fans as Phyna, has clarified a recent statement that sparked controversy surrounding her winnings from the Big Brother Naija Reality Show in 2022. Phyna denied claims that she had not received her N100 million grand prize, stating that a viral video circulating online was edited with malicious intent.
In 2023, Phyna had publicly expressed concerns over not receiving all her prizes from the show, prompting a response from the organizers. The issue seemed to have been resolved, but a recently surfaced video reignited the debate. In the video, Phyna appears to claim that she had not received her prize money, sparking widespread speculation.
However, during a recent livestream on Twitch, Phyna addressed the controversy, explaining that the video was taken out of context. She stated that she was actually responding to critics who questioned her decision to become a streamer despite winning a substantial amount of money. Phyna emphasized that she had indeed received her prize money and was only discussing how those who mocked her for her career choices had not supported her during her initial struggle to receive the funds.
The edited video nearly led to a legal dispute between Phyna and the reality show organizers, who were not pleased with the apparent claim that she had not received her prize money. Phyna had to intervene, explaining the context of the video and directing the organizers to watch the full livestream on Twitch for clarification.
Phyna has urged bloggers and online publishers to refrain from editing her videos to manipulate her statements, warning that she will take legal action against anyone who does so and causes her to face legal issues as a result. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information and context in the digital age, where edited content can quickly spread and cause unnecessary controversy. With this clarification, Phyna aims to put the matter to rest and focus on her career, emphasizing the need for accuracy and fairness in online reporting.