Deyemi Okanlawon Stands by Simi Amid Social Media Controversy
Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has publicly defended singer Simi following a wave of criticism directed at her after old tweets from 2012 resurfaced online. The actor emphasized that the focus should remain on combating sexual violence against women, rather than diverting attention with unrelated issues.
Okanlawon's Firm Stance on Sexual Violence Discussions
In his response, Okanlawon stated that when women call for an end to sexual violence, the only appropriate reply is full agreement. He criticized those who bring up topics like male victims or false accusations during such conversations, arguing that these matters should be addressed separately to avoid shifting focus from the primary concern of protecting women.
"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 abt anything else at another time/place," Okanlawon wrote in a social media post.
Call for Accountability and Systemic Change
The actor highlighted the responsibility of men to hold each other accountable and urged society to work together to address broader issues. He pointed out the need to fix judicial systems, dismantle harmful cultural norms, and educate on consent to ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence.
"Men MUST hold other men accountable... And 2geda we ALL shd hold ALL abusers of children, women & men accountable, fix judicial sys, destroy victim stigma, educate on consent, dismantle harmful norms. Ending sexual violence starts with culture, not just laws," Okanlawon added.
Netizens React to the Debate
The controversy sparked varied reactions from social media users. Some supported Okanlawon's view, agreeing that discussions on sexual violence should not be derailed. Others expressed concerns about balancing the conversation with issues like false accusations.
- @Amzylidanvas commented: "Exactly. When someone says 'stop r@ping women,' the only appropriate response is agreement not deflection."
- @NspectorLee said: "I believe everyone has the liberty to stand for what they believe... you can't force your opinion on people."
- @HansLandaQ reacted: "I'll be shocked because I've never r@ped a woman before... so what do you expect my reaction to be?"
Background on the Resurfaced Tweets
The backlash against Simi began when old tweets from 2012 were dug up by critics, who used them to attack her character online. After Simi provided an explanation for her past posts, Okanlawon stepped in to defend her, framing the situation as a learning opportunity for empathy and wisdom in handling sensitive issues.
Okanlawon described the incident as "a huge learning and teaching opportunity for us all... let's be wise, let's have empathy!" He urged the public to approach such debates with compassion and a focus on constructive dialogue.
Previous Viral Moments Involving Okanlawon
In related news, Deyemi Okanlawon recently surprised fans with a viral video from his trip to Japan, where he interacted with locals in Osaka and introduced himself as a Nollywood actor. This incident showcased his global appeal and engagement with international audiences, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
The actor's defense of Simi underscores ongoing discussions about celebrity influence, social media accountability, and the importance of maintaining focus on critical social issues like sexual violence in Nigeria.
