Nigerian singer Simi has remained noticeably silent days after drawing intense backlash over her comments on sexual violence, a controversy that has kept her firmly in the eye of the storm across social media platforms.

The uproar began when a young TikTok user alleged she had been raped, a claim that quickly gained traction online and sparked widespread outrage. As the story trended, many Nigerians, including celebrities, lent their voices to conversations about sexual assault and the need for justice.

Amid the growing debate, Simi took to her social media page to strongly condemn rape and call for accountability.

In her posts, she urged men to hold other men responsible for acts of sexual violence and stressed that rape culture must not be normalised under any circumstance.

Her comments were applauded by supporters who commended her for using her platform to speak against abuse. However, the conversation took a dramatic turn when the TikTok user later admitted that the allegation was false, triggering a fresh wave of anger and confusion online.

Following the confession, critics began to question public figures who had reacted strongly to the initial claim. Simi, in particular, became a focal point of the backlash, with some users accusing her of being hasty and demanding that she retract or clarify her earlier position.

Several social media commentators called on the singer to issue a public apology or at least acknowledge the damage false allegations can cause. Hashtags referencing her name began trending, while old posts were dug up and re-circulated to intensify scrutiny.

Rather than issue a fresh statement, Simi chose not to engage further in the heated debate.

Her silence, however, did little to calm the storm, as critics interpreted it in different ways, some viewing it as defiance, others as a strategic move to avoid escalating tensions.

The online criticism soon expanded beyond the immediate controversy, with some users questioning celebrity activism in general and arguing that public figures should exercise caution before weighing in on sensitive matters.

Supporters of the singer, on the other hand, maintained that her original message, condemning sexual violence remained valid regardless of the specific case that triggered the discussion. They argued that speaking against rape should not be contingent on the outcome of a single allegation.

As days passed without any additional comment from the award-winning artiste, the controversy continued to generate debates about accountability, false accusations, and the responsibilities that come with influence in the digital age.

For now, Simi’s decision to remain quiet has not shielded her from criticism, as she continues to face sustained online reactions. (Sunday Tribune, excluding headline)