Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has addressed the wave of criticism that followed his recent birthday message to actress Kate Henshaw, which stirred controversy due to its suggestive tone.
The reaction erupted after Iyke took to Instagram to pen a lengthy tribute to Henshaw on her birthday, where he openly reflected on their close relationship and hinted at past romantic interest.
“You knew all that time I wanted to hit that,” he wrote, a line that sparked outrage among fans and colleagues, with many accusing him of being disrespectful.
Actor Gideon Okeke was among those who condemned the post, saying it revealed “too much information” and was inappropriate, especially on a day meant to celebrate Henshaw.
In response, Jim Iyke defended his birthday tribute during an interview with 3FM 102.7 in Ghana, posted on Instagram on Saturday, insisting there was no sexual undertone in it and that it had been misinterpreted.
“I meant everything I said in that post. I rarely say something I don’t mean. I don’t waste words. My words are my bound. I have known this person for over two decades of my life. We have grown as friends and as brother and sister,” he stated.
He explained that his expression was deeply personal and meant to be understood within the context of his close bond with Kate Henshaw.
“What happened was a wordplay that was told in a place of a comfort zone that only two people or less can cohabit. Because these are words that either resonate clearly in your head and never find expression through your voice; you carry them forever and one day you said, ‘F**k it,’ take a pen and let the world have a glimpse of how you feel about certain people,” he said.
“I know the feeling is mutual. There’s nothing absolutely sexual about it [the birthday tribute]. It doesn’t even suggest someone I’m dating.”
Iyke concluded by saying his post was simply an honest attempt to express how he feels about a long-time friend.
The post “It Was Wordplay” — Jim Iyke Defends Controversial Birthday Message To Kate Henshaw appeared first on Information Nigeria.
