A recent viral image, manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI), has ignited a social media storm, falsely suggesting that Nene Aderibigbe, the mother of Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr, is pregnant. The self-proclaimed "Gen Z mummy" has now broken her silence on the circulating speculation.
How an AI-Altered Picture Sparked the Buzz
The rumour began when a picture of Ayra Starr's mother, Nene Aderibigbe, started trending online around January 16, 2026. In the image, she was seen wearing a purple top and her signature jean shorts, with what appeared to be a baby bump. The photo quickly spread across platforms, with many users sharing their opinions, often mocking the situation.
However, a closer inspection revealed the truth: the picture had been digitally altered. Artificial intelligence tools were used to create the illusion of pregnancy, a fact that was initially overlooked in the rapid spread of the post. Despite this, the speculation continued to gain traction.
"Hallelujah": The Mother's Light-Hearted Clapback
Nene Aderibigbe eventually came across the viral post and decided to address it directly. Her response was succinct and dismissive. She simply commented "Hallelujah" alongside laughing emojis, a reaction widely interpreted as her brushing off the rumours with humour and grace.
This reaction did little to quell the online conversation, instead adding more fuel to the social media fire as fans and followers dissected her response.
Netizens Weigh In: Menopause, Age, and Social Media Mentality
The viral post and the mother's reaction triggered a broader debate among Nigerian social media users. Comments ranged from critiques of societal attitudes to discussions about women's health.
Many users challenged the underlying assumption about age and fertility present in the original mocking caption, which had questioned, "Abi menopause na for poor people?"
Here are some of the notable reactions compiled from social media:
- v.korfs stated: "We are not in 1921. Our mentality needs to change."
- kelemasco argued: "As long as your womb is not damaged, menopause or no menopause, u can always give birth at any age."
- emilyonikaaba shared: "I've not met any woman who had menopause at 40! Not even one including me... just a way to tag women as being old."
- sheisbrownsugar12_ noted: "Even a woman at 50 still gives birth."
- midebamiji_ gave a personal touch: "My mom had our last born at age 42 so yes she can have a baby if she want to."
Other comments, like from ibukunoluwa3746, lamented the spread of misinformation: "As years go by and social media advanced more, I expected people to be more smart, what is happening?"
The incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation via AI-altered content and the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities and their families. It also sparked an unintended but valuable conversation about fertility, ageism, and societal expectations placed on women. Nene Aderibigbe's humorous and brief response serves as a reminder to not take every trending topic online at face value.
