Nigerian Comedian Basketmouth has come out to apologise for a rape joke he made in 2014. He made a joke about Nigerian women deserving to be raped if they refuse to have sex on the second date.
Just recently, Basketmouth was unveiled as an advocate for the European Union’s cause on sexual and Gender Based violence (SGBV). Social media users reacted negatively to the news. They called the comedian “unfit” to represent women. Apparently, the internet never forgets. It was later reported that Basketmouth has been removed from the list .
The Apology
The comedian took to his Instagram page on Monday, December 2, 2019 to tender an apology. He also shared photos of the women who according to him are the most important people in his life. He wrote,
“Almost every morning in the blogs, on the news, there’s a picture of a man sitting on the floor pleading. The caption is usually in the line of ‘its the devils’ handwork.’ And the topic is from underage defilement, rape or brutality against a woman or minor.
“I live in this same world with my most prized possessions my wife, my two daughters, my sisters. And women who have built me into the man I am.
“I was recently presented an opportunity to create awareness on the efforts of the EU to bring support to fighting this scourge. It was a no-brainer for me.
However, he refused any compensation for it and volunteered to lend his voice because “it’s our fight, it’s not for the EU…its for my girls’ future, he wrote.
“Unfortunately, a few years ago I shared up a Facebook post that I thought was shedding light.
“Through humor to the entitled crude. And very present behavioral patterns of some African men who equate spending to sexual favors.
“But I also realized then that women actually have to face this daily and it’s harrowing and I deeply apologized for it.”
![Basketmouth has come out to apologise over the controversial rape joke which had gotten a lot of people talking a few days ago. [Instagram/Basketmouth]](https://i0.wp.com/www.eelive.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Basketmouth-o-compressor-768x432.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Basketmouth praises Women
In addition, he praised every woman out there for the sacrifices they make to support men.
“I sincerely pray that this does not take away from the most important fight of our lives….the fight to secure our future…because the girl child is our future. I strongly appreciate the EU for this amazing platform to improve our lot, as long as the message reaches the ears of those who need it, then it’s a win.
“To every woman – our mothers, sisters, lovers, wives, crowns, supporters, prayer partners, foundation, life…. thank you for being who you are. So many times you sacrifice who you are for a man to become who he wants to be.
“It’s time we all love and also support you as you do us….cos in your light, we all shine.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians have also called for the removal of Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga and Tv presenter, Uti Nwachukwu. Abaga had tweeted after watching the Larry Charles documentary about Nigerian culture on rape and homophobia. He tweeted that he stands with comedians joking about anything because it is their job to find the funny in the pain.
However, Nwachukwu has been slammed for constantly body shaming women on his social media accounts.