Sally Responds to Critics: 'I Am Not a Celebrity'

Ghanaian media personality, Sally Mann, recently addressed the backlash she received after attending the funeral of Evangelist Agnes Aba Annan, the late mother of renowned gospel musician Empress Gifty, on Saturday, January 18. Sally’s outfit for the event—a simple green jumpsuit paired with a bare face and a traditional scarf—became the subject of online discussion, with many praising her natural look, while others criticized her for not adhering to the more formal standards expected at such events.

The funeral, which saw the gathering of several high-profile individuals, was attended by notable figures such as business moguls Osei Kwame Despite and Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, politician Alan Kyerematen, and Sammi Awuku, the former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority. Other celebrities and public figures, including media personalities Stacy Amoateng and Prophet Ogyaba, gospel artists Piesie Esther and Joe Mettle, and Kumawood actor Big Akwes, were also in attendance, all donning elegant outfits that were in line with the formality typically associated with such occasions.

Despite the star-studded guest list and the more polished appearances of others, Sally’s choice of attire was met with mixed reactions. Some social media users expressed their admiration for her natural beauty and understated look, while others took issue with her more relaxed outfit, questioning why she didn’t dress more formally, given the gravity of the occasion. The criticism quickly spread across social media platforms, where Sally became the subject of online debate.

In the face of the criticism, Sally chose to respond directly during her appearance on her Adom Showtym entertainment talk show. She defended her decision to wear a jumpsuit, explaining that her presence at the funeral was not about seeking attention or fitting into the mold of celebrity expectations, but about supporting her friend, Empress Gifty, during a difficult time. Sally made it clear that her choice of outfit was a personal one, motivated by authenticity rather than the desire to meet societal standards of what one should wear to a funeral.

“I am not a celebrity living a fake life,” Sally declared on her show. “Unlike some who may choose to wear corsets or overly formal attire to funerals, I prefer to remain true to myself. You can’t expect me to wear something that feels inauthentic, especially when mourning alongside my friend Empress Gifty. When I first began dressing, your so-called celebrity friends were out in Côte d’Ivoire struggling or hanging out in the ghetto smoking weed. They weren’t setting these unrealistic standards that people are now imposing on me.”

She also emphasized that her priority during the funeral was not to impress anyone with her outfit but to offer genuine support to Empress Gifty, who was grieving the loss of her mother. “If I decide to wear a jumpsuit to help my friend organize the funeral and people don’t understand that, then please, leave me alone,” Sally said firmly. “I’m not a celebrity, and I don’t feel the need to dress up just to meet expectations. My focus was on being there for my friend, not on how I was dressed.”

Sally’s response revealed a deeper commitment to authenticity and being true to her values, rather than conforming to the pressures of celebrity culture. She explained that her choice to wear a simple, comfortable outfit was consistent with her personality and not an attempt to seek attention or provoke criticism. It was, in her eyes, a reflection of her genuine emotions, as she wanted to mourn with her friend in the most honest and unpretentious way possible.

Her comments also touch on the broader issues surrounding the expectations of public figures and the pressure they face to maintain a particular image. In a world where celebrities are often scrutinized for their appearances and personal choices, Sally’s statement resonates as a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and not succumbing to external pressures that might compromise one’s true self.

Sally’s candid defense of her outfit and her stance on authenticity highlights a key message about the need to prioritize personal values over public opinion. By standing firm in her choice, Sally not only defended herself against the criticism but also made a powerful statement about the freedom to live genuinely, regardless of societal expectations.