Nigerian singer Simi has faced significant online criticism after a viral TikTok rape allegation was retracted by its originator, sparking renewed debate over sexual violence claims and false accusations.
The controversy began on February 18 when a TikTok user, Mirabel, posted a video claiming she was raped and injured with a blade in her home. The video gained rapid traction, eliciting widespread outrage and condemnation of the alleged assault. However, some social media users immediately noted inconsistencies, with others accusing Mirabel of fabricating the story for attention.
Amid the initial uproar, Simi posted on X, formerly Twitter, urging men to challenge rape culture and questioning why calling out rapists triggered defensive reactions. Her comments were met with backlash from users who accused her of overlooking the harm of false rape allegations. The situation intensified when an old 2016 tweet from Simi was misinterpreted and recirculated, and a fake apology screenshot mocking her spread online. Some users also nicknamed her “Ikorodu Celine Dion.”
Simi maintained her position, stating that sexual violence is pervasive and that false claims should not silence victims. “Almost every woman I know personally has been sexually assaulted,” she wrote, adding that liars should face consequences but that this was a separate issue from supporting survivors.
The case took a pivotal turn when social media activist VeryDarkMan disclosed a phone call with Mirabel, in which she admitted the allegation was false. According to VeryDarkMan, Mirabel confessed to creating a fake account that sent her messages to substantiate the claim. She described herself as an 18-year-old orphan, a lesbian, and someone struggling with alcohol and codeine addiction, as well as self-harm. VeryDarkMan appealed for public forgiveness, citing her mental health struggles, and said arrangements were being made for her rehabilitation.
Authorities have confirmed the case has been transferred to Ogun State for further investigation.
The incident has amplified online discussions balancing the seriousness of sexual violence with the consequences of false reports, while highlighting the role of mental health in viral social media incidents. It underscores the complex interplay between advocacy, accountability, and digital misinformation in Nigeria’s public sphere.
