Simi Responds To Backlash Over Old Tweets, Reaffirms Stand Against Sexual Violence
Nigerian singer Simi has responded to online backlash after some of her decade-old tweets resurfaced, sparking debate on social media.
The controversy comes amid ongoing discussions about sexual violence and accountability, especially after a viral video involving a TikTok user’s false rape claim drew widespread attention. Simi, who has long spoken out against sexual assault, had used her platform to urge men to hold peers accountable and to reject the normalization of sexual misconduct.
Some users unearthed tweets from her X account from over ten years ago and interpreted them as inappropriate.
Addressing the resurfaced posts on Sunday, Simi 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.”
She added context about her age and circumstances at the time: “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.”
Simi explained that she had been helping her mother run a daycare while pursuing her music career, and that the tweets reflected normal interactions with children rather than harmful intent.
Reaffirming her stance against sexual violence, she said: “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 clarification has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters defending her and others continuing to question the intent of the old tweets.
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 (@SympLySimi) February 22, 2026
