Deyemi Okanlawon Backs Simi, Insists Anti-rape Message Stands

Nigerian actor, Deyemi Okanlawon has defended singer Simi, arguing that conversations about sexual violence should not be derailed by unrelated issues.

Taking to X on Monday, Okanlawon stressed that responses to calls against rape must remain focused. He wrote: “When women say ‘STOP raping women’… your response cannot be ‘what about men/children,’ neither can it be ‘what about false accusers’ or anything else. Your reply MUST only be YES!!! You can start your own separate conversation about anything else at another time or place. His comment came amid online backlash triggered by resurfaced old tweets attributed to Simi, which critics circulated as part of a renewed debate over her long-standing stance against sexual assault. The controversy intensified after discussions linked to a rape allegation involving an individual identified as Mirabel, prompting divided reactions across social media. Simi addressed the issue, explaining that the tweets in question were posted 14 years ago when she was 23 and working at her mother’s daycare while pursuing music. She said the posts reflected everyday experiences at the time and were not intended to promote inappropriate content. 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,” she stated. The singer maintained that she has consistently spoken out against sexual violence long before her rise to fame. “I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault… I said stop raping women. I stand by it,” she added, noting that some old posts were being removed by her team due to sensitivity concerns. Advocates and public figures have urged that discussions on gender-based violence remain centered on accountability and support for victims, rather than being overshadowed by unrelated disputes.