Singer says resurfaced post was harmless, taken out of context, and rooted in life at her mother’s daycare—not inappropriate intent

Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has responded to renewed criticism after a tweet she posted in 2012 resurfaced online and triggered heated debate across social media.

The old post, dated March 14, 2012, referred to a four-year-old boy named David, whom Simi jokingly described as having a “crush” on her. In the tweet, she narrated how the child repeatedly came close to her, rested his head on her lap, and acted affectionately, before ending with a playful remark about whether she should “give him a chance,” while clearly stating his age.

Although the tweet has since been deleted, its reappearance drew mixed reactions. While some users accused the singer of making inappropriate comments about a minor and demanded further scrutiny, others argued that the post was clearly humorous and lacked any malicious intent.

Addressing the controversy in a detailed statement shared on her X (formerly Twitter) page late Sunday, Simi explained the circumstances surrounding the tweet. She said she was 23 years old at the time and living at her mother’s daycare centre while trying to build her music career.

According to the singer, she frequently tweeted about everyday experiences, including funny or innocent moments involving children around her, as was common on social media at the time.

“I can’t let anyone twist my story to fit false narratives,” Simi wrote, stressing that the tweet was never sexual or perverse in nature. She described children as naturally playful and affectionate, adding that her comment was meant to be lighthearted.

Simi also noted that she was not a public figure in 2012 and may not have fully grasped how old social media posts could later be misinterpreted or weaponised by online critics.

She revealed that some of her past tweets are being removed by her team due to the emotional toll the controversy has taken on her family, even though she initially did not want them deleted.

Reaffirming her long-standing stance against sexual violence, the singer said she has always spoken out against rape and assault and insisted that the resurfaced tweet does not reflect immoral behaviour or hidden wrongdoing.

As the debate continues, public opinion remains divided, with some calling for accountability and others urging a more balanced interpretation of social media posts made over a decade ago.