Ghanaian actress and social media personality Salma Mumin has broken her silence following persistent public commentary and criticism about her body, describing the ongoing scrutiny as excessive, harmful, and emotionally distressing.
In a statement released on Friday, January 23, the actress openly addressed the mental, emotional, and psychological impact of the remarks, stressing that words are far from harmless and can leave deep and lasting effects on a person’s wellbeing.
According to Mumin, constant discussions about her appearance have gone far beyond harmless opinion and have evolved into a pattern of damaging commentary. She explained that what may appear to some as casual talk or entertainment has, over time, become a source of emotional strain and psychological pressure.
“People often forget that there is a human being behind the public image,” the actress implied, noting that repeated criticism can wear down a person’s sense of peace, confidence, and self-worth.
Mumin clarified that her decision to alter her appearance was a deeply personal one, made solely for herself. She stressed that the choice had nothing to do with pleasing the public, responding to critics, or meeting society’s often rigid and unrealistic beauty standards.
According to her, she made the decision because she was personally unhappy with her previous appearance and wanted to feel more comfortable and confident in her own skin. She emphasised that personal autonomy over one’s body is a fundamental right and should not be subject to public approval.
The actress explained that while being in the public eye comes with attention and opinions, it does not give anyone the right to police another person’s body or turn personal decisions into public spectacle.
Mumin strongly condemned the way personal opinions have transformed into mockery, cruelty, and constant judgment. She noted that the tone of public commentary has, in many instances, crossed the line from discussion into outright ridicule and emotional harm.
She pointed out that no one deserves to be spoken about in ways that undermine their peace, dignity, and overall wellbeing. According to her, such language does not only affect the individual being targeted but also contributes to a broader culture of body shaming and intolerance.
The actress highlighted that women in the entertainment industry are particularly vulnerable to this kind of scrutiny, as their bodies and appearances are often treated as public property. She expressed concern that this creates unrealistic expectations and harmful pressures for both celebrities and ordinary women alike.
In her message, Salma Mumin called on the public to be more mindful of the weight their words carry. She urged social media users, bloggers, commentators, and fans to engage with greater care, empathy, and humanity.
She reminded the public that behind every celebrity profile and viral post is a real person with emotions, struggles, and vulnerabilities. According to her, choosing kindness and respect does not mean avoiding opinions, but rather expressing them in ways that do not dehumanise or harm others.
Her statement has since sparked conversations across social media about mental health, body autonomy, and the responsibility of the public in how they engage with public figures.
Mumin’s comments also feed into a growing global conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry. More public figures are speaking out about the toll of constant online scrutiny, highlighting the need for healthier engagement between celebrities and the public.
Supporters and industry colleagues have praised the actress for speaking up, describing her statement as brave and necessary in a digital age where harmful commentary can spread quickly and widely.
Ultimately, Salma Mumin’s message serves as a reminder that while fame comes with visibility, it should never come at the cost of basic human dignity, emotional safety, and respect.
