Actress Monalisa Stephen opens up about abuse in past relationship

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Nigerian actress and content creator, Monalisa Stephen, has bravely opened up about her distressing experience in an abusive relationship.

In an emotional interview with Saturday Beats, the actress revealed that she did not initially recognize the abuse she endured until it escalated into physical violence.

Stephen shared, “I didn’t really know it was a thing. I used to hear other women talk about it, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. I used to believe, ‘I’m a huge woman with a big body, why would anyone want to beat me?’ But it has nothing to do with your body.”

The actress recounted her shock at the first instance of physical abuse, stating, “When I got the first slap, I was shocked. What led to the slap wasn’t even worth it. I was dazed. The experience was unexpected, and I felt really bad because this was someone I trusted.”

Stephen added that despite her initial disbelief, the abuse continued. “This person kept beating me and humiliating me. I asked him, ‘Why do you keep doing this to me?’ and he said his friend told him that people like me need to be ‘bent’ so he could dominate me.”

Stephen stressed that abuse is not limited by physical appearance or status, as public figures often face their own hidden struggles.

She explained, “Though many people think that public figures don’t have problems, the reverse is the case.”

She further noted that some individuals see celebrities as targets, including those who pursue them romantically with ulterior motives.