Nigerian singer Simi, born Simisola Kosoko, has broken her silence following renewed criticism over old tweets that resurfaced on social media, triggering heated debate.
The backlash comes amid intense conversations around sexual violence and accountability on Nigerian social media, particularly after a viral TikTok video alleging rape was later confirmed to be false.
In the wake of that incident, Simi had publicly spoken out against rape, urging men to hold one another accountable and insisting that sexual assault must never be normalised.
However, some users revisited posts from her X (formerly Twitter) account dating back over a decade, interpreting them as inappropriate and accusing the singer of hypocrisy.
Reacting on Sunday, Simi said she felt compelled to address the issue after the old tweets were brought to her attention.
“I haven’t been on Twitter today – but someone brought a few of my old tweets to my attention and I can’t not address it,” she wrote.
Clarifying the context, Simi explained that the tweets were made 14 years ago, when she was 23, stressing that she was not a child at the time.
“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 added.
According to the singer, the posts were written during a period when she was helping her mother run a daycare while also trying to build her music career. She said the tweets reflected everyday, innocent interactions with children and were never intended to suggest anything inappropriate.
Simi firmly rejected insinuations of sexual misconduct, stating that she has never engaged in any form of depravity.
Reaffirming her long-standing stance against sexual violence, she said her advocacy was 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.”
Her response has continued to divide opinion online, with many fans defending her explanation while others remain unconvinced by the resurfaced posts.
Despite the mixed reactions, Simi has made it clear she will not allow what she describes as false narratives to define her or undermine her position against sexual violence.
