“Hold Men Accountable” — Simi Speaks Out Against Sexual Assault and Culture of Silence

Nigerian singer Simi has strongly condemned sexual assault, urging men to take greater responsibility in addressing the issue and holding one another accountable.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Afrobeats artiste highlighted the widespread prevalence of sexual violence, noting that many women have experienced abuse at some point in their lives. She criticised what she described as a culture of silence among men who ignore, excuse, or protect friends accused of misconduct.

Simi stressed that accountability among men is crucial in tackling sexual assault, arguing that distancing oneself from perpetrators without speaking up enables harmful behaviour. She also revealed that concerns over safety have shaped her daily life, stating that she carries pepper spray when walking alone or even with her daughter due to fear of potential attacks.

The singer further challenged the tendency to dismiss allegations of assault on the basis that some cases may be false, insisting that such arguments should not overshadow the broader reality of abuse faced by women. According to her, silencing survivors or discouraging them from speaking out only perpetuates a cycle of fear and injustice.

Emphasising the urgency of the issue, Simi called on men to actively support survivors, listen to the experiences of women in their lives, and reject any form of behaviour that normalises or trivialises sexual violence. Her comments have since sparked conversations online about gender safety, accountability, and the need for societal change.