Fans of renowned Kenyan Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o have rallied behind her with an outpouring of support after she candidly revealed her recent break-up from US-based TV host Selema Masekela.
Nyong’o chose to share her personal truth on Instagram, opening up about a season of heartbreak that resulted from a love that was suddenly and painfully extinguished by deception, although she refrained from naming the individual involved.
Selema Masekela, who is the son of South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela, has not made any public statements and has disabled comments on his Instagram account.
Lupita Nyong’o, an A-list Hollywood actress who made history in 2014 as the first Kenyan to win an Oscar and the second African to do so after South African actress Charlize Theron, unveiled her relationship with Masekela in December of the previous year. In a now-deleted video introducing their relationship, Nyong’o simply stated, “We just click!”
Masekela also expressed his affection for Nyong’o in a separate post, saying, “Hearts are synched. My whole and actual love Lupita Nyong’o.”
In her recent post addressing the break-up, Nyong’o expressed her desire to “publicly dissociate herself from someone she can no longer trust” and highlighted how her love had been “extinguished by deception.”
The news of their separation has surprised many fans who had initially celebrated the couple’s relationship, viewing it as a heartwarming moment, especially since Masekela had previously sought advice from his fans on how to strike up a conversation with the Black Panther star.
“Hypothetically speaking, of course, let’s say you are seated behind Lupita Nyong’o on an airplane. What would be your opening line?” Masekela had posted back in 2016.
Lupita Nyong’o’s fans and some of her celebrity friends have offered thousands of supportive comments. She has gained a substantial fanbase over the years, thanks to her captivating performances in Hollywood hits such as “Us” and “Black Panther.”
Oscar-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay extended her support, saying, “We lift you up with love and sisterhood. Your miracles are all around you. Let us count them in confidence and faith.”
Nyong’o’s bravery in sharing such a personal and sensitive matter with the world has been highly praised by her fans, with many hailing her openness and willingness to discuss the subject publicly.
In her Instagram post, Nyong’o expressed her hope that “knowledge of her experience might be useful to someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak and considering an escape from the pain, potentially missing out on the wisdom it can bring.”
While Nyong’o’s announcement has drawn an overwhelming wave of support, there have been notably few comments expressing support for Masekela.
