MONROVIA – On Thursday, May 22, 2025 former President George Weah paid a tribute to former First Lady of Liberia, Nancy Bonn Doe, honoring the late wife of slain former President Samuel Kanyon Doe.
Weah’s tribute generated public controversy after the daughter of the deceased, Madam Veronica Mamie Doe, issued a scathing rebuttal accusing the former Liberian leader of hypocrisy and cruelty
Madam Nancy B. Doe, widow of slain President Samuel Kanyon Doe, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, following a period of illness. Former President Weah, in a widely circulated statement, mourned her as a “towering presence” and praised her contributions to women’s empowerment and national football development during her husband’s presidency. He described her passing as “deeply personal,” citing former President Doe’s influence in his rise to football prominence.
But within hours, that narrative was dramatically challenged by the Doe family. In a blistering public response, Veronica Mamie Doe, daughter of the late President and First Lady, directly accused Weah of mistreating her mother, publicly humiliating her during his presidency, and ultimately abandoning her appeals for justice and dignity.
“STOP THE HYPOCRISY, GEORGE!” Mamie Doe began, dismantling Weah’s eulogy as hollow and performative. She recounted a bitter encounter at the Executive Mansion during Weah’s tenure, where Mrs. Doe, she claims, was made to wait for over eight hours only to be scolded, dismissed, and reduced to tears as she begged Weah not to dismiss her son from his job at the Freeport of Monrovia. Mamie further alleged that Weah blamed the former First Lady for rumors about his alleged relationship with her, rumors Mamie denies, and belittled Mrs. Doe in front of an audience.
According to Mamie, the ordeal continued beyond that meeting. Despite persistent efforts to seek recognition for her service as First Lady, her pension, and the resolution of long-standing legal cases, including one before ECOWAS, Mrs. Doe was denied access and turned away at the gates of the Executive Mansion for six years straight. “All she asked was what any First Lady deserves,” Mamie wrote.
Meanwhile, in the wake of scathing rebuttal against his tribute, former President Weah on Sunday, June 8, 2025, made amends with the Doe’s family by making a compassionate and symbolic visit to the home of the late Former First Lady Madam Nancy Doe honoring her memory and showing solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Grand Gedeh County.
Before he spoke upon his arrival, Ms. Doe, welcome him to her late Mother’s home. “Mr. President, you are welcome here to our home. We appreaciate your visit. Thank you for coming; thank you for your condolences to the family. And, as my uncle has said, there had been some discussions ongoing before I came to Liberia, and we just look forward to talking later.”
During his visit, President Weah donated 75 bags of rice and US$5,000 to support the family and announced an additional donation of two cows, one to be presented at the residence and the other in the heart of Grand Gedeh.
In a moving moment of cultural appreciation, the community offered President Weah a Krahn name, meaning “Rescuer.” While he graciously acknowledged the honor, he respectfully declined the name, citing that it is widely used and should retain its special cultural meaning.
When asked about the overwhelming warmth and support from the people, President Weah humbly remarked, “The love the people of Grand Gedeh have for me is natural. It is not something money can buy—it is agape love.” His words resonated with the crowd, reflecting the deep connection he continues to share with Liberians across the country.
The former President was later seen flinched in joyful photographs surrounded by women of Grand Gedeh, underscoring the emotional and spiritual bond between him and the people.
President Weah’s visit was not only a gesture of generosity, but also a powerful testament to national unity, respect for tradition, and enduring love for Liberia, according to the former President’s office.
