Thelma Lawson Shares Emotional Truth About Post-BBNaija Life Filled With High Costs And Endless Expectations

 

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Thelma Lawson, has opened up about the reality of fame after the show, revealing that life as a public figure has become a financial burden rather than a blessing in certain ways. Speaking during a recent interview on Yanga FM, Lagos, the reality star gave fans a glimpse into the demanding lifestyle that follows contestants after leaving the Big Brother house. Her words painted a vivid picture of the immense pressure that comes with staying relevant in the entertainment industry while living up to the expectations of fans and the media.

Thelma explained that her life changed drastically after participating in the popular reality TV show. Before fame, she said, her daily expenses were manageable, and she lived comfortably within her means. However, since leaving the BBNaija house, her spending has multiplied, mainly due to the need to maintain a consistent public image. According to her, fans expect her to always look glamorous, stylish, and ready for the spotlight. The perception of being a celebrity, she noted, forces her to keep up appearances even when it stretches her budget.

Speaking passionately about her current reality, Thelma stated, “This new life is expensive.” When asked by the interviewer why she described it that way, she responded, “Because you are showing up for events. I came out of the house and found out that I was named the most fashionable. Now, I have an audience that wants to see what Thelma is wearing. So, it’s expensive. Also, because I have a business that requires constant restocking, it’s very, very overwhelming.”

Her confession sheds light on a recurring challenge faced by many former BBNaija housemates who often struggle to balance fame, personal branding, and financial stability after the show ends. For most contestants, life inside the house is filled with cameras, fan attention, and endorsements waiting to happen. Yet once the spotlight dims slightly, the pressure to maintain that same image of luxury and success can become mentally and financially exhausting.

Thelma’s story resonates with several other former housemates who have publicly admitted to experiencing similar post-show struggles. While some manage to leverage their fame to secure brand deals and business opportunities, others find it difficult to sustain the lifestyle that fans expect. The audience often assumes that all ex-BBNaija stars are financially set for life, but as Thelma’s testimony reveals, that assumption is far from reality.

She also touched on the emotional side of these expectations. The constant need to look perfect at public events, she explained, leaves little room for rest or self-care. Each appearance comes with costs ranging from wardrobe expenses to hair, makeup, and accessories. For a celebrity labeled “the most fashionable,” the pressure to consistently impress is enormous. Thelma admitted that sometimes she feels drained, yet she cannot afford to appear unprepared or underdressed in front of her fans.

According to entertainment analysts, Thelma’s comments highlight an important truth about the entertainment industry: fame requires maintenance. Public figures who rise to stardom through reality television often find themselves investing heavily in personal branding to remain relevant. From social media presence to attending social events and launching businesses, every step requires money and energy. Many celebrities, especially those newly introduced to fame, are unprepared for the financial realities that follow once the cameras stop rolling.

Thelma also mentioned her business ventures, explaining that managing her fashion line adds another layer of responsibility. The need to restock regularly, keep up with trends, and satisfy customer demand can be overwhelming. She described how balancing entrepreneurship with public appearances creates additional stress, yet she cannot afford to slow down because her fans and followers expect her to keep delivering.

Despite the challenges, Thelma remains grateful for the platform that BBNaija provided. She acknowledged that the show gave her visibility and opened doors to opportunities she might not have had otherwise. However, she emphasized that the glitz and glamour people associate with post-BBNaija life come with sacrifices. The financial obligations, emotional toll, and pressure to stay relevant are often hidden behind the smiles and stylish appearances on social media.

The former housemate’s honesty has sparked conversations online, with many fans expressing empathy and admiration for her transparency. Social media users have praised her for speaking about an issue that many celebrities shy away from. Some fans have also called on supporters to be more understanding and to stop setting unrealistic standards for their favorite reality stars.

Thelma Lawson’s revelations serve as a reminder that fame is not always as glamorous as it appears. Behind the designer outfits, flawless makeup, and lavish events are individuals dealing with the real costs of maintaining public attention. For her, and many others who have walked the same path, life after BBNaija is a complex mix of privilege, pressure, and perseverance.

Her message carries weight for aspiring reality stars and fans alike. While BBNaija remains one of Africa’s biggest platforms for fame and success, Thelma’s words show that the journey after the cameras stop rolling is far from easy. The price of maintaining fame, she suggests, is often higher than anyone expects.