I deeply apologize for it – Basketmouth reacts to EU’s disqualification over rape joke

Bright Okpocha, Nigerian stand-up comedian better known as Basketmouth, has reacted to his removal as an ambassador of the European Union (EU) for sexual and gender-based violence.

The ace-comedian has been in the spotlight for sometimes now after he was unveiled along some other Nigerian celebrities as an advocate for the EU in Nigeria’s campaign against sexual and gender-based violence.

Quite a number of Nigerians had argued that Basketmouth did not merit such recognition, alleging that he promotes sexual violence in his jokes, citing a Facebook post he had shared some years ago.

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In reaction to the backlashes that trailed his selection, the comedian took to his social media page on Monday, saying his Facebook post was misconstrued.

According to him, the original aim of the post was to shed “light through humor to the entitled crude and very present behavioral patterns of some African men who equate spending to sexual favors.”

He also appealed to women to forgive him, stating he always hold them in high esteem.

“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,” he said.

“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….its 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 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 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 and also support you like you do us….cos in your light, we all shine. Bless.”