Social media has been wild with tales flying around right now and the trending word is Mercy Aigbe. Ever since news poured in on Friday that popular actress, Mercy Aigbe, was beaten silly by her husband, Lanre Gentry and she, in response, returned to allegedly break down his gate and carted away all her belongings, with reckless abandon on what truly happened between the couple. This latest development comes after persistent rumours of rampant domestic abuse in the marriage of the Gentrys over the years. Pictures of Mercy’s battered face were posted on several blogs, and she also posted a picture preaching against domestic violence on her Instagram page. This was even as Lanre took to the Internet to profess his love for his wife and swear that he could never beat her. However, as is to be expected, commenters online are divided with some sympathetic to Mercy and others standing up for her husband.
Online activist Japheth Omojuwa wrote, “I just saw (the) Mercy Aigbe photos. I hope the animal that did that to her has since been arrested. Too dangerous to live with humans.” David Damilola wrote, “So Mercy Aigbe was using her Victims movie to reveal her marital status.” A fan, @omobolabee wrote, “Marriage should be a safe haven and not a battlefield. This world is hard enough already! Say NO to domestic violence. #Mercy Aigbe.” Another commenter took a different stand. He wrote, “Mercy Aigbe’s husband beat her mercilessly. That’s because most female Nigerian celebrities are after the rich men so they can live large!” Another commenter, Odoziakwu Nwanyi wrote, “Whatever the case may be…please handle it off camera; off (the) public eye. This is a total act of shame on your part and that of your hubby. I hope you recover soon. Do what is best for you and remember your health is your wealth.”
One commenter, Ebunoluwa was emotional in her response as wrote, “Mercy, I love you no matter what. Please be strong; I feel like crying right now. I pray for wisdom for you to take the right decision, amen.”
Meanwhile, the couple in the eye of the storm, Mercy and Lanre, have resolutely refused to speak.
