Reality TV stars White Money and Laycon are trending again online, but this time not for music or reality shows. Viral clips circulating across TikTok and X show the former Big Brother Naija winners appearing in live sessions where they are verbally insulted while remaining mostly silent, sparking heated reactions among fans.

The trend, which many viewers believe is linked to TikTok gifting culture and coin battles, has divided opinion across Nigerian social media. Some users say the lives are simply another form of digital content monetisation, while others argue that the stars’ silence during the exchanges raises questions about the lengths creators go to stay visible online.

According to multiple viral videos shared by fans, White Money and Laycon appeared on live streams hosted by popular TikTok personalities where harsh remarks were directed at them during ongoing battles or coin drives. The format appears similar to TikTok battle streams, where creators earn money through virtual gifts sent by viewers.

TikTok gifting systems allow audiences to send coins that translate into income for hosts and guests, and this has led to the rise of dramatic or confrontational live content aimed at driving engagement. Online discussions suggest that silence during controversial moments may encourage viewers to keep watching and sending gifts.

Across X and TikTok comment sections, reactions have been intense. Some fans laughed at the dramatic format, while others criticised what they described as a decline in meaningful content.

One viral reaction read that it was disappointing to see popular figures “choose insults for coins instead of creative content,” reflecting the frustration among a section of viewers.

Others defended the reality stars, arguing that social media is evolving and that live streaming culture now rewards controversy and viral moments more than traditional entertainment.

The conversation around White Money and Laycon’s appearances has also reignited a wider debate about TikTok monetisation trends. Online communities frequently discuss how live battles encourage exaggerated behaviour to attract gifts and maintain visibility.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of TikTok lives giving away money,” one Twitter user wrote while discussing gifting trends, questioning whether attention or profit drives these formats. 

Although neither Laycon nor White Money has publicly addressed the viral clips at the time of writing, fans continue to speculate about whether the content is strategic entertainment or simply part of the fast-changing creator economy.