Simi Addresses Backlash After Old Tweets Resurface

Nigerian singer Simi, born Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, has spoken out after facing online backlash over resurfaced tweets from 2012.

The controversy erupted after Simi made a strong public statement calling for rapists to be “burnt and castrated” amid a widely discussed sexual assault allegation involving a TikToker identified as Mirabel, who later retracted her claims. While many supported Simi’s firm stance against sexual violence, others criticized the intensity of her remarks. That backlash led some social media users to comb through her old posts, bringing decade-old tweets back into circulation.

Resurfaced Posts Spark Debate

Among the tweets that resurfaced were posts from 2012 in which Simi referenced humorous interactions involving a child at her mother’s daycare. Some users interpreted the tweets negatively, questioning the tone of the jokes.

As criticism grew, Simi took to her X (formerly Twitter) page to address the situation directly.

“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. Clarifying her age at the time, she added, “Fourteen 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.”

Providing Context

Simi explained that in 2012, she was living at home and helping out at her mother’s daycare while working to build her music career. She described how she frequently tweeted about everyday life experiences, including humorous or playful moments involving children.

“Kids can be mischievous,” she wrote. “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.”

She also acknowledged that social media culture was different at the time and that she was not yet in the public eye. According to Simi, being less known may have made her less aware of how posts could later be interpreted or misinterpreted.

“I was not famous then, so maybe if I was, I would have understood that anything is open to interpretation, including being used falsely by a faceless mob,” she stated. “I’ve never been depraved in my life.”

Standing Firm Against Sexual Violence

While noting that some of her old tweets have since been deleted out of respect for her family, Simi reaffirmed her position on sexual assault.

“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,” she said. “I’ve never claimed to be perfect. I’ve never claimed to know everything. I said stop raping women. I stand by it.”

The situation highlights how past social media posts can resurface years later, especially for public figures, and be viewed through a modern lens. Despite the backlash, Simi has maintained that her values and stance against sexual violence remain unchanged.