Pam Andrews Opens Up About Childhood Bullying That Led To Multiple Cosmetic Surgeries
South African actress and singer Pam Andrews has opened up about how childhood bullying affected her self-esteem and led her to undergo several cosmetic procedures.
Andrews, whose real name is Pamela Sikhupela, is best known for playing Gail October on e.tv’s Rhythm City and for being a member of the music group 101.
In a series of social media videos, Andrews revealed that she was teased about her nose and small breasts as a child. Classmates called her names such as “platgevriet” (flat face) and “bush donkey”, while her small breasts earned her the nickname “mosquito”.
“I remember just hating my face. Hating my body,” she said, explaining how the bullying eventually affected the way she saw herself.
Her insecurities followed her into adulthood. About a year after joining Rhythm City, she underwent her first nose job. She later had a second nose procedure, two breast surgeries an augmentation followed by a reduction as well as procedures on her arms. She also admitted to having fillers under her eyes and in her lips.
“When they say surgery is very addictive? That is the truth,” she said, reflecting on how one procedure led to concerns about other features of her appearance.
Andrews said therapy later helped her confront the deeper roots of her insecurities and understand that her talent, rather than her appearance, had opened doors in the entertainment industry.
She said she is now happy with her appearance, does not regret her surgeries and has no plans for further procedures.
“I’m not scared of ageing any more because it’s a natural part of life,” she said, encouraging others to understand where their insecurities come from.