Simi Addresses Backlash Over Resurfaced Old Tweets

Nigerian singer Simi has responded to criticism following the resurfacing of tweets she posted more than a decade ago.

The backlash emerged amid heightened social media scrutiny after the singer publicly spoke against rape culture and commented on the ongoing controversy surrounding a rape allegation involving Mirabel. Some of her old tweets were shared online, prompting debate and criticism.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Simi said the tweets were written 14 years ago when she was 23 years old and trying to build her music career while assisting at her mother’s daycare. She described the posts as reflections of her daily life at the time, stressing that they were not inappropriate.

“I’m not here to make excuses because I don’t have anything to make excuses for. What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives,” she wrote.

Simi explained that she often tweeted about her experiences, including humorous moments involving children at the daycare. She said her expressions of affection toward children were innocent and not rooted in any form of misconduct.

“I’ve never been depraved in my life,” she stated, adding that she had always been open about her personality and had nothing to hide.

The singer also noted that her team had begun deleting some of the old tweets due to their sensitivity for her family, though she initially resisted the move. She reaffirmed her longstanding opposition to rape and sexual assault, saying her advocacy is genuine and not performative.

“I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault even before you knew I existed. It’s not a costume I’m wearing, it’s who I am. … I said stop raping women. I stand by it,” she wrote.

Her statement comes amid broader online discussions that have included remarks from music producer Samklef, who recently called for an apology from her family while referencing his role in her early career.

Simi’s response seeks to clarify the context of her past tweets and reiterate her position against sexual violence as the debate continues online.

Source: Vanguardngr.com