- – Phyna clarified walking out of a photoshoot was due to a competitive brand conflict, not personal animosity toward a rival housemate.
- – The incident prompted discussion on the challenges faced by reality TV stars balancing fame and professional commitments, drawing varied reactions from the public.
- – Phyna’s response highlights the nuanced nature of public figures’ lives, emphasizing the need to consider their decisions within the context of their professional experiences.

Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, better known as Phyna, the winner of the Big Brother Naija ‘Level Up’ edition, has responded to the backlash she faced after a video emerged showing her walking out of a photoshoot due to the presence of her rival, fellow BBNaija housemate Chi Chi.
The incident occurred during a brand-sponsored event at the University of Lagos, which was attended by several BBNaija graduates, including Adekunle, Hermes, Soma, and Phyna. After the event, the organizers arranged for a photoshoot, and Adekunle, Soma, and Phyna joined the brand’s staff in the shoot.
However, after a few seconds, a lady, whose face was not visible in the video, joined the queue for the photoshoot. Immediately, Phyna was seen walking out of the line, with a visibly distressed expression on her face.
Netizens quickly assumed that Phyna had walked out of the photoshoot due to the presence of her rival, Chi Chi. The two housemates have had a tumultuous relationship since their time in the Big Brother house, with several public disagreements and disputes.
Phyna debunks netizens’ reactions, and assumptions
In response to the backlash, Phyna took to the comments section to clarify the situation. She stated that the lady who joined the photoshoot queue was not Chi Chi, but rather one of the brand’s staff. Phyna explained that the real reason she walked out of the shoot was because the brand organizing the event was a direct competitor of the brand she currently works with.
Phyna wrote, “Make una dy calm down with the lies.. I walked out bcuz we were snapping with and opposite brand products that I work with… it can affect my work so prevention is better than cure.”
The BBNaija star emphasized that she avoided taking pictures with the competitor’s staff and products to protect her own professional relationships and commitments. She stressed that her decision was not motivated by any personal animosity towards Chi Chi, but rather a practical concern to maintain the integrity of her existing brand partnerships.
The BBNaija stars are humans
The incident has sparked a wider discussion on the complexities and challenges faced by reality TV stars as they navigate the demands of their newfound fame and the expectations of their fans. Phyna’s response has been praised by some for her transparency and her focus on protecting her professional interests, while others have criticized her for what they perceive as an overreaction to the situation.
Regardless of the ongoing debate, Phyna’s statement serves as a reminder that the lives of public figures, even those from reality TV, are often more nuanced and complex than they may appear on the surface. As these stars continue to navigate the challenges of fame, their actions and decisions must be understood within the full context of their experiences and professional obligations.





