Nigerian singer Simi has come under intense criticism online following the confession of TikToker Mirabel, who admitted that her viral rape allegation was false.
The incident began on February 18 when Mirabel shared a TikTok video claiming she had been raped and injured inside her home. The video quickly spread across social media, prompting outrage and emotional reactions. While many initially condemned the alleged act, some users questioned the authenticity of the claim, accusing Mirabel of seeking online attention.
Amid the controversy, Simi addressed rape culture on X, urging men to hold perpetrators accountable. However, her comments drew backlash from critics who argued she was overlooking the issue of false accusations. The situation escalated when an old tweet from 2016 resurfaced, misinterpreted by some as sexual innuendo, and a fake apology meme began circulating online. She was also mockingly nicknamed “Ikorodu Celine Dion.”
In response, Simi stressed the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of protecting survivors’ voices. “Almost every woman I know personally has been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives,” she wrote. She added that false claims should be addressed but should not silence genuine victims, ending her statement with a firm call: “STOP RAPING WOMEN!!”
The narrative shifted when social media activist VeryDarkMan revealed he had spoken with Mirabel, who admitted that her allegation was false. She also disclosed that she created a fake TikTok account, and described herself as an 18-year-old orphan struggling with alcohol and codeine addiction, self-harm, and mental health challenges. VeryDarkMan urged the public to forgive her and avoid harsh judgment, noting that she would be placed in a rehabilitation centre.
The case has now been transferred to Ogun State for further investigation.
The episode has reignited discussions online about sexual violence, accountability, false allegations, and the mental health struggles that can underlie viral social media incidents.
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