Following his disengagement as one of the EU influencers and advocates for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence [SGBV] over a joke he shared in 2014, Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, has tendered an apology.

The comedian had in 2014, while trying to compare dating experiences between white and black girls, had unwittingly promoted rape.

Fast-forward five years later, the 41-year-old was made an influencer to speak on issues affecting women, Nigerians notified the EU about Basketmouth’s past jokes, and the comedian was dropped as an ambassador to sex and gender-based violence.

Now, the comedian has taken to Instagram to reaffirm his support for women and girls, and to apologize for the rape joke he made.

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 devil’s 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. I refused any compensation for it and volunteered to lend my voice because…. it’s our fight, it’s not for the EU…its for my girls’ future.

Unfortunately, a few years ago I shared up a Facebook post that I thought was shedding light through humour to the entitled crude and very present behavioural patterns of some African men who equate spending to sexual favours, but I also realized then that women actually have to face this daily and its harrowing and I deeply apologized for it

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 like you do us….cos in your light, we all shine.

Bless”.