Prominent Nigerian fashion designer Victoria “Veekee” James has broken her silence about the devastating impact that malicious rumors surrounding her marriage had on her mental health, revealing she nearly fell into depression following false allegations that she “stole” her husband from a friend.
In a deeply personal interview on The Nancy Isime Show, the 30-year-old celebrity designer appeared alongside her husband, Femi Atere, to address the controversy that has shadowed their relationship. James described experiencing what she called her darkest period, triggered by widespread social media speculation about the circumstances of their courtship.
“There was one that really shook me, and that was the period when we had to ask God to help us come out of it,” James revealed during the interview. “It was a story about how I stole him from a friend, and we were sleeping with each other, which were all lies. And it almost put me into depression.”
The fashion entrepreneur, known for her high-profile clientele and celebrity red carpet designs, described the psychological impact as a revelation about mental health struggles. “That was the first time I got to know what people who say they feel depressed felt,” she admitted, offering insight into how public figures navigate intense scrutiny and cyberbullying.
James recounted withdrawing completely from public life during the height of the controversy, spending two consecutive days confined to her bedroom in emotional distress. “I remember entering my room and not coming out for two days. I was crying and praying,” she said. “The way God brought me out felt like a miracle, and I kept hearing more stories, which I laugh off.”
The designer’s candid revelation highlights the often-unseen psychological toll that social media speculation and celebrity gossip can exact on public figures, particularly in Nigeria’s highly engaged digital entertainment landscape. Her experience reflects broader concerns about the impact of unverified information and cyberbullying on mental health.
Since overcoming this challenging period, James says she has developed greater resilience against online criticism. “I have now developed a thick skin to negative comments and trolling,” she stated, suggesting the experience, while traumatic, ultimately strengthened her ability to handle public scrutiny.
The couple’s relationship culminated in a lavish wedding ceremony on February 10, 2024, which drew significant attention from Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The star-studded event was attended by notable celebrities, including actress Juliana Olayode, filmmaker Eniola Ajao, actress Osas Ighodaro, media personality Toke Makinwa, and socialite Priscilla Ojo, among others.
James’ decision to speak publicly about her mental health struggles comes at a time when conversations about depression and psychological well-being are gaining greater prominence in Nigerian society. Her testimony serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of spreading unverified information and an example of resilience in the face of public adversity.
The designer’s revelation underscores the complex relationship between celebrity culture, social media, and mental health in contemporary Nigeria, where public figures often face intense scrutiny with limited privacy protections.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James’ experience serves as a stark reminder that spreading unverified rumors can have devastating psychological consequences. False allegations about “stealing” her husband nearly drove the 30-year-old into clinical depression, forcing her into isolation for days.
Her story highlights the urgent need for responsible social media behavior and the real mental health toll that celebrity gossip and cyberbullying can inflict on public figures. The incident underscores that behind every rumor is a real person who can be deeply harmed by baseless speculation.
