Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about how public ridicule and criticism over her personal life became a driving force behind her resilience and career triumphs.

Speaking on The Chude Live Conversation Show on Sunday, Akindele reflected on the emotional toll of enduring harsh public scrutiny, particularly concerning her past marriages. Rather than allowing the criticism to defeat her, she explained how she channeled the negativity into personal strength and creative inspiration.

“There was a video on social media where some women mocked me for not having a husband,” Akindele shared. “I saw all the insults. Posts about how I left one marriage for another. I cried and cried. I knew I needed help  I couldn’t keep going like that.”

The Battle on Buka Street director revealed that seeking therapy played a key role in her healing. “I reached out, and I started speaking. I told my therapist things I couldn’t tell people. That helped me get better,” she said, encouraging others to speak up when overwhelmed. “You can’t bottle it all in. I’m a stronger person now  ready to face any challenge.”

Akindele also revealed how moments of blackmail and online mockery inspired her storytelling. “After the blackmail, I became tougher. I poured my experiences into writing  even when I nearly broke down mentally. I used the mockery to create a film,” she said.

In addition, she recounted an early career setback where a fellow filmmaker doubted her potential to make a significant mark in the box office. That moment only intensified her drive, culminating in her remarkable achievement of surpassing one billion views with one of her films  a milestone that silenced the critics and reaffirmed her place as a powerhouse in Nigerian cinema.