Popular plus-sized Nollywood actress and body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen, has been confirmed dead after suffering from low blood sugar and internal bleeding.

The sad incident happened on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos, as confirmed by a close family member.

The news was made public on Wednesday morning by the Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi through a post on his official Instagram page.

“Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead. She died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding. Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul,” he wrote.

Until her death, Monalisa was known for her opinions on body image, mental health, and self-love, often sparking heated debates online.

She also worked as a model, content creator, and media personality, using her platforms to speak openly about her past struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

In March 2023, she trended for revealing that her then-boyfriend used to perform oral sex on her while she was on her period, a statement that divided public opinion and made her a subject of heavy online backlash.

Despite the controversies, Monalisa continued to push for confidence among plus-size women, telling critics she was “living her truth.”

While fans mourn her passing, many have pointed out her recent silence on social media as a possible sign that something was wrong.

As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by her family, but tributes are already pouring in from her fans and followers online.

Monalisa Stephen was not just a name; she was a loud voice in a world that often asked her to keep quiet. (The Guardian)