Nigerian singer Simi has finally spoken out after an old tweet she posted in 2012 resurfaced online and sparked widespread backlash across social media.
The tweet, shared on March 14, 2012, mentioned a four-year-old boy named David and jokingly described him as having a “crush” on her. Once screenshots of the post began circulating again, many social media users accused the singer of making inappropriate comments about a minor, triggering heated debates and calls for accountability.
In the now-deleted post, Simi had written about the child coming close to her, acting as though he wanted to kiss her, and resting his head on her lap. She ended the tweet with a joking question about whether she should “give him a chance,” while noting that he was four years old.
As criticism grew, others defended the singer, arguing that the tweet reflected the casual and unserious tone common on social media more than a decade ago and was being misinterpreted in today’s climate.
Responding late Sunday via her X (formerly Twitter) page, Simi explained that she was 23 years old at the time and living at her mother’s daycare centre while trying to build her music career. She said she often tweeted about her daily life back then, including funny and harmless moments involving children around her.
According to her, the resurfaced tweet was never rooted in perversion or inappropriate intent.
“What I can’t allow is for my story to be twisted to fit false narratives,” she said, stressing that the post was a light-hearted observation and nothing more.
Simi also addressed attempts to link the old tweet to ongoing conversations around sexual assault and false allegations. She maintained that she has always spoken out against rape and sexual violence, even before she became a public figure.
“It’s not a costume I’m wearing, it’s who I am,” she wrote, adding that she has never claimed to be perfect but has consistently stood against sexual abuse.
The singer revealed that some of her old tweets are being deleted by her team due to how emotionally distressing the situation has become for her family. She admitted she initially did not want the posts removed but agreed for the sake of her loved ones.
Despite her explanation, reactions online remain divided. While many fans praised her for addressing the issue openly, others insisted that public figures must be held responsible for past statements, regardless of intent or timing.
As the discussion continues, the incident has once again highlighted how old social media posts can resurface years later and be judged through the lens of current conversations and public sentiment.
Simi, however, maintains that her conscience is clear and that the controversy does not define who she is.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
Reader responses are closed on older stories.
