Peller Slams Fans as ‘Free VDM’ Protest Sparks TikTok Drama

By Sharon Zachariah

Editor

Sharon Zachariah

Posted: May 3, 2025 at 8:41 pm, Updated: May 3, 2025 at 8:41 pm

Peller Slams Fans as ‘Free VDM’ Protest Sparks TikTok Drama

Peller, popular TikTok influencer has slammed fans flooding his page with the trending #FreeVDM protest, warning that their actions could get his account banned. The backlash followed a fiery livestream where the popular Nigerian TikToker, known for his bold takes, called out netizens for dragging him into the ongoing VeryDarkMan arrest campaign, sparking heated reactions across social media.

Peller, a 19-year-old livestreamer with a growing fan base, didn’t hold back. He became visibly frustrated during the livestream after noticing a flood of comments demanding VDM’s release. The comments were tagged with #FreeVDM, a viral campaign demanding the freedom of the controversial activist.

“Hey, Free VDM in my own comment section. Bro, no be me be EFCC na. Please leave here, you’re now putting crying emoji. If dem ban me, I go change am for you,” Peller said, clearly angry.

He urged his fans to stop using his platform for activism, warning that their actions could lead to serious consequences. According to him, TikTok moderators could see the repeated activism as a violation of community rules. That, he feared, might get his account flagged or even suspended.

This isn’t the first time Peller has asked people to stay away from political or protest-related posts on his platform. Months ago, he cautioned Nigerians not to use his page for the viral “30 Days Rant Challenge,” which also drew attention to government issues.

Now, with the arrest of VeryDarkMan, his fans are once again turning to Peller’s comment section to vent their frustrations. But the TikToker wants none of it.

Peller’s bold stance shows just how tricky it can be for influencers when their personal pages become grounds for public advocacy. He seems caught between maintaining his account and protecting his image while distancing himself from growing social media campaigns.

Still, not everyone supports Peller’s decision. While some viewers understood his fears of losing his platform, others accused him of being selfish or even cowardly.

One TikTok user, @WendyEnendu, wrote:
“Crying on TikTok brings serious ban ahbi dem go disable your account sef.”

Another, @cableanalyst, defended Peller:
“Actually he has the right to ask them to stop so they don’t take down his streaming platform. Nothing wrong here.”

But others were far more critical.

@TheRealGulu commented:
“Peller has shown his weakness to his enemies and the world. If anybody wants to get him, they know how too… He’s so scared of losing his streaming platform.”

@Akanjigangan didn’t hold back either:
“But he can beg people to flood other people’s livestream for the benefit of his own. But for someone who stands for the youth, he’s talking trash, just a greedy, illiterate. I’m not surprised….”

In his defense, Peller tried to clarify his position, saying he’s already spoken about VDM’s arrest on other platforms. He said he believes VDM will eventually be freed. Still, he doesn’t want that battle fought on his own TikTok page.

His reaction reflects a growing problem many influencers face. With huge followings come greater expectations. Fans often expect them to speak out or support popular causes. But at the same time, those influencers must follow strict rules from platforms like TikTok, which can suspend or delete accounts for repeated rule-breaking.

The clash between activism and platform policies creates tension. On one hand, fans believe they’re pushing for justice. On the other, content creators fear losing the very platforms that give them a voice.

Some of Peller’s fans see his caution as smart. Others view it as weakness. But either way, the incident proves that social media is no longer just a place for fun or trends. It’s a stage where voices rise, movements grow, and even silence can spark controversy.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan has sparked a massive online wave of protest. The hashtag #FreeVDM has taken over many pages, from Instagram to TikTok. And even though Peller says he supports the cause, he doesn’t want the campaign waged on his page.

This bold move has stirred heated debates across platforms. As emotions run high, netizens remain divided—some calling Peller careful, others branding him as disloyal to the youth movement.

While this drama unfolds, one thing is clear: social media influencers now carry more weight than ever before. Every post, every silence, and every reaction is watched, judged, and picked apart.

Peller may have tried to protect his page, but in doing so, he found himself in the center of yet another storm. Whether fans agree with him or not, his words have sparked a much-needed conversation about digital responsibility, free speech, and the thin line between advocacy and survival online.