Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Veekee James has opened up about the emotional struggles she endured following heavy online criticism and rumors that nearly pushed her into depression. The designer revealed that shortly after marrying her husband, Femi Atere, she was accused of “snatching” him from a close friend, a claim she described as deeply hurtful and entirely false.
Speaking on the Nancy Isime Show, Veekee James recounted how the allegations spread like wildfire on social media, with trolls fabricating stories that her husband had been romantically involved with one of her friends before their marriage. The designer, who tied the knot in October 2023 and later hosted grand traditional and white weddings in Akwa Ibom and Lagos in 2024, admitted that the situation left her emotionally drained and struggling to cope with public perception.
According to her, the ordeal forced her to rely heavily on her faith, praying and asking God for strength to withstand the storm without damaging her reputation and brand. She revealed that at her lowest point, she locked herself in her room for two days, crying and praying for divine intervention. She described her eventual recovery as nothing short of a miracle, emphasizing that her ability to rise above the negativity came from God’s help.
“There was one that really shook me. That was the period we had to ask God to help us come out of it. And immediately we came out of that, that was the end,” she said. “I think it was a story of how I stole him from a friend. And we were sleeping with each other. And so many of them are lies. It almost put me in depression. For the first time in my life, I got to understand what people who face depression feel.”
She continued: “I remember entering my room, and I did not come out for like two days. I was there crying and praying. And I told God, you know the stories. If you know that what they are saying is all lies, help us get through this without it ruining my brand. I remember waiting on God for days. And the way he brought me out was like a miracle.”
Veekee James also disclosed that since overcoming that period, negative comments no longer affect her the same way. She explained that she now reads online comments only to gauge public sentiment and adjust her actions accordingly. The designer further noted that her faith continues to guide her, and she hopes to one day raise children who will serve as role models in society.
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