Nigerian digital content creator Olaoluwa Segun has publicly apologized to Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa after falsely alleging in a viral video that she is HIV positive. The controversial claim, which also implicated other actors such as Hanks Anuku, quickly drew backlash across social media platforms.
Segun’s video suggested that five well-known entertainers were secretly living with HIV—a claim that many online users condemned as reckless and defamatory.
Responding swiftly, Dayo Amusa took to Instagram to set the record straight. She stated that the video was linked to a 2019 post she had made to raise awareness about HIV testing and education—not to disclose her own status.
“I want to address a video that has been going viral across all major social media platforms over the last 24 hours,” Amusa explained. “This video was posted by someone I don’t know, but I started getting tagged in it, and I believe it relates to a post I made in 2019 regarding my HIV status, which was negative.”
She clarified that her post at the time was intended to encourage the public to get tested and understand that an HIV diagnosis is not a death sentence.
“The purpose of that post at the time was to educate people on the importance of knowing their HIV status. And even if, for any reason, you’re positive, it’s important to seek medical help and take the necessary steps. After all, it’s not the end of the world.”
Amusa condemned the content creator for reviving an old, out-of-context post and presenting it as proof of a medical condition she does not have.
“It’s shocking that someone picked up on that post and enlisted me with others, claiming we are all HIV positive, without doing any proper investigation,” she said. “This person went on to share the video on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, where it has attracted several likes and comments.”
She didn’t hold back her frustration at the damage caused:
“Do people even use their brains when putting out content? Do you realise how far that video has travelled? Do you understand the level of defamation to my person and character caused by the falsehood you foolishly posted without fact-checking?”
The actress warned that she intends to make an example out of Segun to discourage others from spreading harmful, baseless information.
In response, Segun initially responded in a joking tone. On Saturday, he shared a light-hearted message on Instagram:
“Being made a scapegoat does not feel good! I want to be THE GOAT, not a scapegoat. Somebody play me ‘Is it too late now to say sorry’ ♪♪ I am sorry mama @dayoamusa.”
However, by Sunday—coinciding with Amusa’s birthday—his tone shifted to a more serious and respectful apology.
“Happy Birthday mama. While I honestly didn’t know you until a couple of days ago, my ears are filled with noble things about you. I deeply apologize for the unintended harm one of my recent posts may have done to your brand and public image. It is genuinely love and light from my quarters. Big respect ma’am @dayoamusa.”
