Nigerian singer Simi, born Simisola Kosoko, has responded to online criticism after some of her old social media posts resurfaced and sparked fresh debate.
The controversy comes amid ongoing conversations in Nigeria about sexual violence and accountability, especially following a widely circulated video on TikTok involving a rape claim that was later proven false.
Simi had previously used her platform to speak strongly against rape, urging men to hold one another accountable and insisting that sexual assault must never be normalised.
However, some users recently dug up posts from her account on X dating back more than a decade, interpreting them as inappropriate.
Reacting on Sunday, the singer said she felt compelled to address the matter 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 but address it,” she wrote.
Clarifying the timeline, Simi explained that the tweets were made 14 years ago, when she was helping her mother run a daycare while also building her music career.
“14 years ago, I was 23, so I was definitely not a child. 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.”
According to her, the posts reflected everyday interactions with children at the daycare and were never written with harmful intent. She firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Simi also reaffirmed her long-standing stance against sexual violence.
“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 generated mixed reactions online. While some users have defended her explanation, others continue to question the resurfaced posts.