Nollywood actress Lizzy Gold has finally spoken out about the long-standing misunderstanding between herself and fellow star Destiny Etiko, confirming that the rift, which lasted for nearly two years, was triggered by malicious gossip within the movie industry.
In a heartfelt Instagram post sighted by Africa Live News, Lizzy Gold addressed the emotional toll the estrangement had on their friendship, explaining that false narratives spread by individuals in the entertainment industry drove a wedge between them.
According to the actress, their once vibrant relationship was suddenly strained when unfounded stories began circulating in Nollywood, creating tension and mistrust. “Two years ago, we separated as friends because of ‘them say’ in Nollywood,” she wrote, referencing the Nigerian slang for baseless gossip. “I became lonely because I don’t make friends easily like you do.”
The Pain of Losing a Friend
Lizzy Gold’s message painted a picture of deep emotional loss during the period of separation. She described Destiny Etiko as a rare friend whose sociable personality and warm nature stood out in the competitive movie industry.
While both actresses continued to pursue their careers individually, Gold admitted that she struggled with loneliness because she has a naturally reserved personality, unlike Etiko, who is well-known for her bubbly and outgoing disposition.
“Thank God you realized you were deceived and came back,” Gold noted in her post, indicating that Destiny Etiko eventually saw through the lies that caused the split and took steps toward reconciliation.
Praise for Destiny Etiko’s Personality
Despite the past misunderstanding, Lizzy Gold expressed deep admiration for Destiny Etiko, calling her “the only one in the industry who truly understands me.” This statement underscored the uniqueness of their bond, which had been built over years of working together and supporting each other in a highly competitive environment.
The actress went further to commend Etiko for her ability to connect easily with people, a quality she believes makes her stand out in Nollywood. She described her colleague as someone who is naturally warm, approachable, and able to maintain friendships across different circles — a trait Lizzy Gold admits she does not share.
Message to Rumour Mongers
Lizzy Gold did not mince words when addressing those who she believed contributed to the breakdown of their friendship. She said she had grown immune to negativity and gossip, choosing instead to focus on her peace of mind.
“To those who try to create enmity between people for their own satisfaction, know that you cannot break what is destined to be whole,” she wrote, in what appeared to be a direct message to individuals who thrive on stirring conflict in the entertainment industry.
She also urged Destiny Etiko never to allow outsiders to influence their friendship again, stressing that genuine relationships are too valuable to be destroyed by hearsay.
A Broader Look at Gossip in Nollywood
The Nigerian movie industry has often been plagued by rumours, rivalry, and sensational headlines. Over the years, numerous celebrity friendships and collaborations have broken down due to allegations and misunderstandings fuelled by gossip.
In many cases, these disputes become public knowledge through social media, where stars sometimes vent their frustrations or set the record straight. For Lizzy Gold and Destiny Etiko, the fallout was notable because of their previously close working relationship and frequent public appearances together.
Their reconciliation, therefore, comes as welcome news to fans who admired their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie.
Public Reaction to the Reunion
Following Lizzy Gold’s post, fans flooded the comments section with messages of joy and relief, celebrating the restoration of the friendship. Many commended both actresses for choosing forgiveness over pride and urged them to set an example for others in the industry.
Some fans expressed hope that their reconciliation could lead to more joint projects in Nollywood, recalling past films in which the duo delivered memorable performances. Others praised Lizzy Gold for openly addressing the issue instead of leaving the public to speculate.
Why the Friendship Matters to Fans
The Lizzy Gold–Destiny Etiko relationship has long been admired because it represents genuine female solidarity in a sector where competition can be fierce. Their friendship has often been described as sisterly, with both actresses supporting each other’s professional milestones and personal celebrations.
By making their reconciliation public, Lizzy Gold has not only set the record straight but also reinforced the importance of communication and trust in maintaining relationships.
A Lesson for the Industry
The incident also serves as a cautionary tale for Nollywood practitioners about the dangers of allowing gossip to dictate personal and professional relationships. In an industry where collaboration is key to success, mistrust caused by hearsay can derail promising partnerships and affect productivity.
Lizzy Gold’s story is a reminder that misunderstandings can be resolved when people are willing to revisit the truth and listen to each other, rather than relying on third-party accounts.
Looking Ahead
With their reconciliation now public, speculation is rife that Lizzy Gold and Destiny Etiko could return to working on joint film projects. Both actresses have individually built impressive careers in Nollywood, with Destiny Etiko earning accolades for her versatility and Lizzy Gold making her mark as both an actress and a producer.
If they decide to collaborate again, fans could see a revival of the on-screen magic that once made them a beloved duo. Industry watchers believe such a partnership would be warmly welcomed, given the public support for their renewed friendship.
Final Words from Lizzy Gold
In wrapping up her message, Lizzy Gold reiterated her gratitude that the misunderstanding had been resolved. She also hinted that the experience had made her more resilient and less susceptible to negativity.
“I am now immune to the things they say. Life is too short to hold grudges,” she wrote. “Let’s continue to shine together and never let anyone come between us again.”
Her words not only marked the end of a painful chapter but also opened the door to a new beginning — one built on stronger trust and mutual respect.
For fans of Nollywood, the Lizzy Gold–Destiny Etiko reunion is more than just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the power of forgiveness and the resilience of true friendship in an industry where relationships can be fleeting.
