I Stand With Simi: Actor Deyemi Okanlawon Urges Straightforward Response To Calls Against Rape

Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has voiced his support for singer Simi amid the backlash over her comments on sexual assault, emphasizing that calls to stop violence against women should be met with agreement, not deflection.

On Monday, Deyemi posted on X: “When women say ‘STOP rap*ng women’… Your response cannot be ‘what abt men/children’ neither can it be ‘what abt false accusers’ nor anything else. Your reply MUST only be YES!!! You can start your own separate conversation about anything else at another time/place.”

The actor’s statement comes as debates online continue over Simi’s firm stance against rape, which resurfaced after old tweets of hers were circulated by critics. The renewed scrutiny has also coincided with public attention on a rape allegation involving Mirabel.