Nollywood actress and reality TV star, Queen Mercy Eze, has revealed that the heavy, extravagant custom gown she wore to the recent Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) caused her a severe back injury.
The actress, popularly known as Queen Mercy, disclosed that the elaborate “500-bread” dress reportedly valued at over ₦500 million was extremely heavy and uncomfortable, leading to significant strain on her back during the red carpet event and subsequent activities.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Queen Mercy expressed regret over the fashion choice, stating that the desire to make a bold statement at the prestigious awards came at a high personal cost to her health.
“The AMVCA dress was beautiful and very expensive, but it was far too heavy. I endured severe pain throughout the night, and now I’m dealing with a serious back injury. I can barely stand straight. I want to advise my fellow queens and fashion enthusiasts to always prioritize comfort and health over trends. No dress is worth sacrificing your well-being,” she said.
According to her management, Queen Mercy was immediately rushed to a specialist hospital in Lagos after the event for medical evaluation. Doctors have diagnosed her with acute lumbar strain and possible disc complications, requiring bed rest and intensive physiotherapy.
The actress, known for her bold fashion statements and strong presence in the entertainment industry, used the opportunity to call on designers to pay more attention to the ergonomics and weight of red carpet gowns, especially for events that require long hours of standing and movement.
Queen Mercy’s team has confirmed that she has temporarily stepped back from public engagements to focus on full recovery. She is expected to resume work once cleared by her physicians.
This incident has sparked conversations among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities about the hidden health risks associated with extravagant designer pieces at major award ceremonies.