Sierra Leonean entertainer Star Zee is facing widespread public backlash following the ill-treatment of the crash driver in a video released late last week. The rapper was involved in a car accident with husband, Mystik on Friday night in Freetown.

The footage, which was originally posted by Star Zee on her social media accounts, includes an unverified claim that the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.

The video and its accompanying statement have sparked a heated public debate about digital privacy, social media responsibility, and the potential harm caused by sharing unverified information.

Media analysts and public commentators have raised serious concerns that such premature assertions about the young man’s alleged behavior could unfairly damage his reputation, especially as an official investigation into the incident is still underway.

Speaking to local news outlets, media expert, Dr. Amara Jalloh, stressed on the ethical dilemma faced by public figures when they share unverified content online.

“While we understand that the accident was distressing, public figures need to consider the consequences of sharing unsubstantiated claims, particularly when an investigation is still in progress,” Dr. Jalloh said. “This could tarnish the reputation of the other individual involved without any concrete evidence to support such accusations.”

Public sentiment on social media has been divided, with many people criticising Star Zee for making assumptions about the health or mental state of the other driver. Advocates for responsible social media use argue that making such claims should be left to the proper legal and medical authorities, rather than celebrities or social media personalities.

“The role of public figures is to entertain, but they also have a responsibility to be cautious when it comes to sensitive issues. Speculating about someone’s health or behaviour without proof is not only unfair but dangerous,” said one social media user, who wished to remain anonymous.

Others have pointed out that the incident was a tragic and unintentional event, with no one intending to cause harm. “Accidents happen, and we should keep in mind that the other driver is likely dealing with trauma from the accident as well,” said another commenter. “It’s important to remember that both parties are victims in this situation.”

Beyond the moral concerns, some critics have voiced their suspicions that celebrities, including Star Zee, may sometimes use shocking real-life events as a means of boosting their online presence and engagement.

These critics argue that the trend of sharing distressing or sensational content on social media is becoming all too common, and the line between newsworthiness and personal exploitation is becoming increasingly blurred.

In light of these concerns, there have been calls for the government to intervene and regulate the sharing of accident footage on digital platforms. Several advocates for media ethics have urged the relevant ministry responsible for road safety and media regulation to implement measures ensuring accountability for the unverified sharing of sensitive content.

As of now, Star Zee has not issued a public apology or further comment on the issue. It remains to be seen whether the public reaction will prompt her to reconsider her approach to sharing such sensitive content in the future.