Fans Cry Cancer, Mercy Johnson Says Business—Who’s Telling the Truth?

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie is once again addressing speculation about her health following the resurfacing of a 2022 interview in which she disclosed a past thyroid scare.

The video, which began circulating widely over the weekend, has been misrepresented by several entertainment blogs and social media users, reigniting false rumors that the actress is currently battling cancer—an allegation she has firmly denied.

The clip, originally filmed during an interview with veteran actress Joke Silva, featured Johnson-Okojie candidly recounting a health challenge that required the surgical removal of her thyroid shortly after the birth of her fourth child, Divine-Mercy Okojie, in 2020. At the time, she released a follow-up video to clarify that the health issue was not cancer-related and emphasized that she had made a full recovery.

Despite those earlier clarifications, the resurfaced footage has fueled a fresh wave of misinformation, with some speculating that her recent weight loss is linked to a serious illness. Others have attributed her transformation to Ozempic, a medication known for its association with celebrity weight loss.

Johnson-Okojie rejected the claims in a statement shared on her social media platforms. “I’m healthy, happy, and thriving,” she wrote. “No cancer, no Ozempic—just hard work and my products. Let’s celebrate life and truth.”

"I'm fine, I do not have cancer" – Mercy Johnson#Trending | Speed Darlington | Racism | Jumoke George | Mummy Zee pic.twitter.com/TPpLTRW5Jg

— Business Elites Africa (@ElitesAfrica) May 20, 2025

The actress, who has appeared in over 200 films and remains one of Nollywood’s most celebrated talents, attributed her slimmer physique to a disciplined fitness routine and as a distributor of weight loss products, particularly slimming teas. She has positioned her transformation as part of a business strategy, saying she used herself as a “marketing muse” to demonstrate the effectiveness of her product line.

Reaction to her statements has been mixed. Many fans praised her entrepreneurial efforts and commitment to wellness, while others disagreed. “Slimming tea can’t do all that. Let’s be real,” one comment read, reflecting ongoing debates over the transparency of celebrity-endorsed products.

The situation highlights public figures’ broader challenges in managing their personal narratives in a digital age where old content can resurface and be easily misconstrued. Johnson-Okojie, 40, married to businessman and politician Prince Odi Okojie, has shared her journey through motherhood, business, and recovery with an audience that spans Nigeria and the diaspora.

Her management team has hinted at possible legal action against media outlets spreading false information about her health, though no formal steps have been announced.

“That period was tough, but I came out stronger,” she said, referencing her recovery from the thyroid surgery. “And that’s the story I want people to remember.”