Nollywood actress Linda Osifo has opened up about a challenging period in her life when she contemplated skin bleaching due to the impact of racial slurs she faced while living in Canada. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Linda moved to Canada at the age of 16 and encountered racism, which was especially hurtful because it came from people close to her.
During a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Linda Osifo discussed her past thoughts about skin bleaching. When asked by Chude if she had considered bleaching her skin because of racial insults, she responded:
“Yeah. It happens absolutely. And it happens from your shade too, you know. So, that’s why it’s even more of a weird thing.
“I always feel that those who get bullied, don’t get bullied by outsiders. It’s from within. Because if somebody else says it, you may not care but if somebody who is around you, who you are always kinda seeing every other day says it, it hurts more.
“This was when I was a teenager in Canada. The positive aspect of moving [back] to Nigeria was seeing more individuals who look just like me.”
Linda Osifo’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional toll that racism and negative comments can have, even when they come from within one’s own community. Her decision not to pursue skin bleaching and her return to Nigeria provided her with a more accepting environment and a sense of belonging.
