Damilola Adeparusi, widely recognized as Chef Dammy, embarked on a 120-hour cook-a-thon in 2023, an endeavor that unexpectedly catapulted her into the public eye and onto social media platforms. This sudden surge in popularity, while initially exciting, quickly spiraled into a tumultuous experience marked by intense cyberbullying and real-life harassment, leaving the young chef emotionally scarred and overwhelmed. In a recent interview, Chef Dammy candidly shared the profound impact of this experience, detailing the emotional toll it took on her well-being and her struggle to reconcile with the overnight fame.
The cook-a-thon, initially a personal challenge undertaken without the anticipation of widespread attention, transformed into a public spectacle. Chef Dammy, surprised by the viral nature of the event, found herself thrust into the spotlight, a situation she hadn’t foreseen or prepared for. The experience of being constantly scrutinized and judged by a large, often anonymous, online audience became a source of immense pressure. This amplified the inherent challenges of the cook-a-thon itself, adding an emotional burden to the already demanding physical and mental feat of cooking for an extended period.
The aftermath of the cook-a-thon brought a wave of cyberbullying, a phenomenon rampant on social media platforms. The anonymity afforded by the internet emboldened individuals to unleash a torrent of negative comments, criticisms, and personal attacks, targeting Chef Dammy relentlessly. The constant barrage of negativity, coupled with the pressure of being in the public eye, left her feeling emotionally drained and vulnerable. This online harassment extended beyond the digital realm, manifesting in real-life encounters that further exacerbated her distress. Chef Dammy recounts instances of being bullied and assaulted, experiences that left her feeling broken and overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation.
The emotional scars from this period lingered, impacting Chef Dammy’s mental health and overall well-being. She described feeling emotionally raw and vulnerable, often seeking solace in prayer and questioning the timing of the ordeal. She expressed a desire to forget the painful experiences, highlighting the depth of her emotional distress. The overwhelming nature of the cyberbullying, coupled with the real-life harassment, left her feeling exposed and emotionally fragile. This period represented a significant challenge in her life, one that she has been actively working to overcome.
Despite the traumatic experiences, Chef Dammy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She has begun to heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by the cyberbullying and harassment. In the recent interview, she demonstrated a newfound strength and composure while discussing the events, indicating a significant step in her healing process. The ability to speak openly about her experiences without being overcome by emotion suggests a growing sense of closure and a renewed focus on her future. This shift signifies a positive trajectory in her journey of recovery.
In a positive turn of events, Chef Dammy embraced the opportunity to further her culinary skills. She received a full scholarship to the prestigious Hospitality Business School in Lagos, where she is currently pursuing a professional chef diploma in the Professional Culinary Art Chef course. This opportunity represents a significant step forward in her culinary career, allowing her to hone her skills and pursue her passion in a supportive and structured environment. This educational pursuit offers not only professional development but also a chance to reclaim her narrative and focus on her aspirations as a chef. It symbolizes a new chapter in her life, one marked by growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in her chosen field.
