In a bizarre and ultimately dangerous attempt to earn a world record, a Nigerian man who tried to cry continuously for an entire week has suffered severe medical consequences. Tembu Ebere, a social media comedian from Lagos, embarked on a “cry-a-thon” as part of a recent trend of endurance challenges sweeping the country.

Ebere’s attempt, which began in July 2023, was an effort to set a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous crying marathon. However, after several days of non-stop wailing, his condition took a dramatic turn for the worse. He began to experience headaches and a swollen face and, most alarmingly, he suffered from temporary blindness for nearly 45 minutes.

“I had to re-strategize and reduce my wailing,” Ebere said after the incident, revealing that the intense strain on his eyes and nerves led to the painful side effects.

While the “cry-a-thon” garnered significant attention on social media, Guinness World Records has publicly distanced itself from the attempt. A spokesperson for the organization clarified that it does not monitor such records, citing the inherent risks and the impossibility of a verifiable, continuous observation.

Ebere’s story is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of extreme record attempts, which have become increasingly popular in Nigeria following the success of chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cooking marathon. While many of these challenges are pursued for fame and personal achievement, medical experts and record officials are urging individuals to prioritize their health and safety.