Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of the late Christian Atsu, has recently faced stern criticism over a video she uploaded on her Instagram account. On May 30, 2023, Marie-Claire shared a clip of herself dancing to Davido's latest hit song, "Unavailable."

As expected, Marie-Claire showcased her impeccable dance moves, displaying her talent as a dancer. In the post, she acknowledged her hesitation to share the video, stating, "I am just trying to get up into dancing again…slowly."

Despite the widow's innocent intentions, the video sparked unsolicited advice and criticism regarding the mourning process for widows in Africa. One commenter, Favoursalu, wrote, "Yes oo, I nearly told her yesterday on her page that widows mourn for 6 months to 1 year minimum in our part of the world."

The negative remarks received prompted Marie-Claire Rupio to clarify the reason behind her post on June 1, 2023. The German widow reiterated that she and her three children are still struggling with the loss of Christian Atsu, who passed away in February of this year due to an earthquake in Turkey.

Marie-Claire explained that her decision to share the dance video was not intended to show that she had quickly moved on from her late husband or to cause any harm. Instead, she expressed that dancing has become a therapeutic outlet for her to cope with her grief.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by C L A I R E (@claireuk_)

"I am writing just to say a few things, yes I posted a dance video. Not because I am happy but because I have to find a way to deal with my grief," she stated.

Marie-Claire emphasized that she cannot give up on herself, as she is not "alone" and has "3 children to take care of by myself." She added, "I can't lose myself because I need to be strong for them."

She educated her followers about the various ways mental health is addressed in Europe, and she shared that dancing has always been her passion.

Expressing her frustration, Marie-Claire Rupio advised her attackers to "just think before you write something or put it on YouTube."

In her effort to clarify matters and manage her own emotions and those of her children, Marie-Claire admitted that they are "missing Christian every single day, and it hasn't been easy."

The breaking point for her is when her children ask for their father every day. "I am doing my best," she concluded.

It is evident that the passing of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu continues to bring pain to his family.

Following Atsu's burial, Marie-Claire paid tribute to her late husband by performing "In The Stars" by Benson Boone in one of her posts. She resonated with a part of the song that states she is "alone between the heavens and the embers."

Her tribute focused on the chorus, which says:

"I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and goneI don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means foreverNow you're in the stars, and six feet's never felt so farHere I am alone between the heavens and the embers."