Woman’s Selfie Receives Thousands of Comments About Her Appearance, but She Refuses to Delete the Photo (Exclusive)

Naomie Pilula, a 37-year-old lawyer based in Zambia, found herself at the center of a storm of online criticism after posting a selfie on her Instagram page. The selfie, posted on June 22, 2025, quickly garnered over 500,000 shares and comments, many of which were disparaging remarks about her appearance, particularly focusing on her nose. Despite the negativity, Pilula chose not to delete the post, taking a stand against body shaming.

Growing up in Zambia, Pilula’s perception of beauty was influenced by cultural norms that emphasized larger, curvier figures. She shared that she had been teased about her nose in her youth but had come to embrace her unique features as she grew older. Studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand exposed her to different standards of beauty, further shaping her perspective on self-acceptance and identity.

As the youngest of seven siblings, Pilula’s journey towards self-love was not without challenges. Reflecting on hurtful comments she received online, she initially posted a response video that she later deleted. Seeking guidance from her sister, Pilula delved deeper into her feelings, realizing that there were underlying insecurities she needed to address. Turning to her faith, she found solace in biblical scripture and reaffirmed her belief in self-worth.

Despite facing intense backlash on social media, Pilula stood firm in her resolve to embrace herself fully. Quoting the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, she found inspiration in the idea that adversity could be transformed into empowerment. By refusing to be defined by external criticism, Pilula chose to focus on living authentically and inspiring others to do the same.

With over 530,000 comments and shares on her viral selfie, Pilula acknowledged the overwhelming response, both positive and negative. She recognised that while the journey of self-acceptance was not easy, it was empowering and necessary for her growth. Embracing her imperfections and radiating confidence, Pilula hoped to convey a message of self-love and resilience to her growing online community.

Looking ahead, Pilula remained committed to staying true to herself and sharing her journey with others. With a rapidly expanding social media following, she aimed to use her platform to promote authenticity and self-expression. Despite the challenges she faced, Pilula’s story served as a testament to the power of self-love and acceptance in the face of adversity.

In a world where online scrutiny and beauty standards often dictate self-worth, Pilula’s unwavering courage to embrace her authentic self resonated with many. By standing tall in the face of criticism and embracing her uniqueness, she set an inspiring example for others navigating similar struggles. As she continued to share her story, Pilula remained a beacon of strength and resilience, reminding others of the beauty that comes from self-acceptance.