Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, aka Simi, has responded to criticism over some of her old social media posts, saying the remarks were taken out of context and did not suggest any improper conduct.
The controversy resurfaced after the singer recently spoke out against rape during online discussions sparked by a viral social media case.
Her comments, in which she condemned sexual violence and called for stricter consequences for offenders, triggered renewed scrutiny, with users circulating screenshots of posts she made more than a decade ago.
In a statement shared on her social media page on Sunday, the artiste said she felt compelled to clarify the context of the tweets after they 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.
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.
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…
Simi explained that the posts dated back to 2012, when she was largely unknown and living with her mother while pursuing her music career.
According to her, she was also helping at her mother’s daycare centre at the time and often tweeted about everyday experiences.
“In 2012, I lived and helped out at my mum’s daycare while I was hustling my music. I tweeted everything that happened in my life, as we all did at the time,” she said.
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Addressing the tone of the resurfaced posts, the singer said they were casual observations about children at the daycare and not intended to be interpreted otherwise.
“Kids can be mischievous. If a child did something I found funny, I tweeted about it. Kids are cute and lovable. I want to hug, kiss and cuddle them. I tweet about it. Nothing I tweeted was from perversion,” the singer wrote.
She stressed that she would not allow her past comments to be misrepresented.
“What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives.”
The singer also disclosed that some of the posts had been removed because of the sensitivity of the situation for her family, noting that the decision was not her preference.
“My team has been deleting some of my tweets because of how sensitive it is for my family. To be honest, I did not want to.”
Among the tweets circulating online were posts from 2012 and 2013, including remarks about children at the daycare and a 2013 tweet that read, “I wonder if anyone’s ever used breast milk to bake cake before.”
Other posts referenced playful interactions with children, which critics said were inappropriate.
Responding to the reactions, Simi maintained that the comments were harmless and reflective of a different period in her life.
“I’ve never been depraved in my life,” the ‘Duduke’ singer said.
She reiterated that her stance against sexual violence remains unchanged and predates her recent comments.
“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’ve never claimed to be perfect. I’ve never claimed to know everything. I said stop raping women. I stand by it,” she said.
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