Erica Sparks Outrage After Bold Beyoncé Tweet: ‘She Can’t Cook, But She’s a Success’

Reality TV star and actress, Erica Nlewedim, has once again found herself at the center of a social media storm after a tweet she posted on X (formerly Twitter) about international music icon Beyoncé ignited a wave of criticism, debate, and confusion online. The Big Brother Naija alum, known for her outspoken nature, made a statement many found controversial, and the internet was swift to respond with both amusement and irritation.

The drama began shortly after Beyoncé made a surprise appearance in Paris during her ongoing world tour, accompanied by her husband, Jay-Z. Videos of the Carters radiating elegance and charisma went viral across social media platforms, as fans celebrated the rare sighting and showered Beyoncé with praise. But amidst the celebration, Erica decided to add her two cents — a move that backfired spectacularly.

“Beyoncé doesn’t know how to cook and she’s still a success,” Erica tweeted, triggering a digital uproar that swept across timelines like wildfire. While some saw it as a harmless, even humorous commentary on traditional gender roles and modern success, others weren’t amused at all.

The responses came quickly and with biting sarcasm. A popular online personality, Dr Jenny, was among the first to push back. “Lol… by the way who told her that Beyoncé doesn’t know how to cook🙄. Hard work, consistency & discipline is the key to success,” she wrote. Her statement quickly gained traction and was reposted dozens of times by users who agreed with her sentiment.

Kenner, another X user, took a different approach, blending humor with subtle critique. “You dey use Beyoncé as an excuse 🤣🤣 but the soup fit sweet oooo forget the look shall but na okra be that abi,” he said, mocking the idea of comparing oneself to Beyoncé without the credentials to back it up.

Others weren’t as playful. Aisha Pretty, clearly frustrated by what she perceived as an unnecessary and baseless comparison, wrote, “Not just Beyoncé o, including Cardi B and the rest of your relatives. Sorry my dear.” Her blunt response captured the feelings of many who viewed Erica’s tweet as tone-deaf or self-serving.

The tweet also reignited ongoing cultural debates in Nigeria about what defines a successful woman. Erica’s remark appeared to challenge the long-standing expectation that a woman must master domestic roles — particularly cooking — to be deemed worthy, even in the face of overwhelming professional achievement. While many younger, urban audiences found her statement empowering, more conservative voices online dismissed it as shallow and misleading.

Yet, as the controversy swelled, others began questioning the origin of the claim. “Who exactly confirmed that Beyoncé doesn’t cook?” some asked. The tweet, lacking any citation or source, appeared to be based more on internet gossip or pop culture myths than verified fact. And that, perhaps, was what irritated critics the most — the propagation of a claim with little factual foundation about one of the most private celebrities in the world.

For her part, Erica remained characteristically unbothered in the wake of the backlash. She made no follow-up tweets or clarifications, choosing instead to let the post stand on its own. This stoic silence only fueled further reactions, with users dissecting her intent, tone, and possible motivations. Was she joking? Was it a statement about modern femininity? Or was it a thinly veiled attempt to trend off Beyoncé’s name?

Regardless of intention, the tweet served its purpose: it got people talking. Within hours, the post had garnered thousands of likes, retweets, and quote tweets, making it one of the most engaged content from a Nigerian celebrity that day. Erica’s name trended alongside Beyoncé’s in Nigeria, with media outlets picking up the story and amplifying the debate.

This isn’t the first time the former BBNaija housemate has stirred online buzz. Since her stint on the reality show, Erica has managed to maintain a strong digital presence, often polarizing audiences with her unapologetic views. Whether she’s sharing beauty advice, promoting her acting projects, or making bold statements like this one, she’s no stranger to the highs and lows of online fame.

What this episode underscores is the delicate balance public figures must navigate when commenting on global icons — especially those as beloved and protected as Beyoncé. The American singer has long been a symbol of excellence, grace, and influence in both music and culture. Even a lighthearted or throwaway comment about her can provoke fierce loyalty and defensive reactions from her fans, known worldwide as the BeyHive.

Still, some users defended Erica’s post. They argued that she was making a broader point — that success should not be tied to domestic abilities, and that societal expectations of women need to evolve. “She’s right though,” one user tweeted. “Why is cooking still considered a measure of worth for women in 2025? Beyoncé has achieved more than most, with or without kitchen skills.”

Another chimed in, “This isn’t about Beyoncé. It’s about breaking stereotypes. You all are just mad because she hit a nerve.”

At the heart of the firestorm is a familiar tension: the clash between tradition and modernity, between the expectations of old and the ambitions of the new. In this digital age, where opinions travel at the speed of light and interpretation is often divorced from intent, celebrities like Erica find themselves caught in the crosshairs of a never-ending cultural tug-of-war.

Whether the outrage fades or spirals into a larger discourse on gender roles and celebrity worship, one thing is certain — Erica Nlewedim has, once again, made herself the topic of conversation. Love her or hate her, she knows how to stay relevant. And if the goal was to make a point about success beyond the kitchen, she certainly cooked up a storm.