Charles Born’s “No One Should Smell Like That in 2025” Comment Sparks Online Debate

Actor’s Candid Remark at Lagos Fashion Week After-Party Divides Fans

Nollywood actor Charles Born has sparked a social media firestorm after a candid comment about personal hygiene went viral online. The remark, made during Pulse Nigeria’s Fun Facts segment, quickly became a trending topic across platforms.

The controversy began following the Moët & Chandon opening celebration at Lagos Fashion Week, known for its glitz, luxury, and high-profile attendees. Born, who starred in films like On the Edge (2024), A Lagos Love Story (2025), and Bad Boy’s Security (2024), recounted an awkward encounter with a well-known Nigerian influencer during the after-party.

In the now widely shared clip, Born commented on the influencer’s noticeable odor. “No one should smell like that in 2025,” he said bluntly, pointing out the irony that the influencer is publicly associated with a personal hygiene brand. The clip was quickly clipped, shared, and reposted by thousands, drawing intense online reactions.

Reactions to Born’s comment have been deeply divided. Some users praised the actor for highlighting a valid concern about public presentation, especially for public figures who represent brands. “It’s about accountability and image,” one social media user wrote. “If you are a public figure promoting hygiene, you need to practice what you preach.” Others agreed, saying that personal hygiene is a basic expectation and that Born’s observation was a fair, if blunt, critique.

On the other hand, many people argued that Born’s remarks were unnecessarily harsh and personal. Critics said such observations should be addressed privately rather than broadcast to millions online. Some described the comment as bordering on public humiliation, questioning whether it was appropriate for an actor to single out another public figure in this way.

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Despite the backlash, Born’s comment has opened a larger conversation about the boundaries of public critique among celebrities and influencers. Observers note that while honesty is often valued in entertainment and media, social media amplifies remarks instantly, making what might have been a casual comment reach millions of people within hours.

The incident highlights how even small, offhand remarks can spark viral discussions and divide public opinion. It also underscores the scrutiny faced by public figures in an age where every action, whether on stage, at an event, or online, is documented, shared, and judged.

As of Thursday, the clip continues to circulate widely, trending across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with netizens debating whether Born’s comment was a justified critique or an unnecessary personal attack.