Simi Responds to Backlash Over Resurfaced 2012 Tweets
Kehinde Adeleye
Nigerian singer Simi has addressed criticism following the resurfacing of tweets she posted more than a decade ago.
The controversy began after Simi made a strong statement in response to an ongoing sexual assault allegation involving a TikTok user known as Mirabel, who later withdrew her claims. In her reaction, the singer said rapists should be “burnt and castrated,” a comment that drew both support and criticism online.
Amid the debate, some social media users revisited Simi’s posts from 2012, highlighting tweets in which she made humorous remarks about interactions with a young child at the time. The posts were widely shared, prompting further discussion across social platforms.
Responding on X, Simi said she felt compelled to clarify the context of the old tweets. She noted that she was 23 years old in 2012 and had been helping at her mother’s daycare while pursuing her music career.
According to her, she frequently shared everyday experiences on social media during that period, including lighthearted stories about children’s playful behaviour. She maintained that the tweets were not written from any inappropriate intent and said they were being misrepresented.
Simi stated that while she was not making excuses, she would not allow what she described as false narratives to define her character. She added that she was not a public figure at the time and did not anticipate that years later her posts would be subject to different interpretations.
The singer also revealed that some of the old tweets have since been deleted, saying she did so out of consideration for her family. However, she reaffirmed her position against sexual violence.
“I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault,” she wrote, insisting that her views are consistent and not performative. She acknowledged that she has never claimed to be perfect but said her stance on sexual violence remains unchanged.
The episode highlights the ongoing scrutiny public figures face over historical social media content, particularly when past posts resurface in the context of current debates.
