Tiwa Savage Speaks Out: “I Didn’t Leak My Sex Tape to Stay Relevant”
Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has broken her silence on viral claims suggesting that she intentionally released her sex tape to remain in the public eye.
The controversy stems from 2021 when the singer’s private video leaked online after she reportedly refused to pay a blackmailer. Following the leak, Tiwa Savage faced intense criticism and backlash on social media, with many accusing her of trying to gain sympathy or publicity. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Tiwa Savage Addresses the Backlash
In a recent interview with American radio station Hot 97, Tiwa Savage described the emotional trauma she endured as a result of the incident. She insisted that she was the victim, yet many treated her unfairly.
“I was bashed for my sex video. A lot of people think I was just trying to get sympathy. Even people with platforms were quite horrible and blamed me,” she explained.
The singer further dismissed the rumors that she released the video intentionally to stay relevant:
“I don’t know how they couldn’t see me as the victim in this. They said I did it to be relevant. If I were doing that, I would’ve been intentional about it. I would have used better lighting, lingerie, and my facial expressions would have been on point.”
Public Reaction Then and Now
The leak attracted global attention and ignited debates on privacy, victim-blaming, and celebrity culture. Many criticized the public’s harsh treatment of Tiwa Savage despite the fact that she had been extorted by a blackmailer.
Fans have since rallied around the singer, praising her courage and resilience in speaking out about a deeply personal experience.
Tiwa Savage: More Than the Controversy
Despite the setback, Tiwa Savage continues to thrive in her music career. She remains one of Nigeria’s most influential Afrobeats stars, using her platform to advocate for women’s rights, privacy, and respect for victims of online abuse.
The 2021 incident served as a painful reminder of the challenges celebrities face, especially women, in protecting their image while navigating public scrutiny.