Cynthia Ezegwu
Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has described her 2021 leaked sex tape as one of the most painful experiences of her life, disclosing that it was circulated as part of a bet.
Speaking in an interview with The Breakfast Club released on Tuesday, the singer revealed that the scandal took a toll on her personal life, career, and mental health, despite her initial attempt to cope with humour and music.
Savage said her then-boyfriend had claimed the tape was leaked accidentally but later learned it was deliberately shared among friends as part of a wager. “I was hurt… I was a victim,” she said, adding that many falsely accused her of staging the leak for publicity.
She noted that attempts to pursue legal action failed because reliving the experience was too traumatic. The singer also disclosed that the backlash, particularly attacks on her role as a mother, was more painful than the tape itself.
“They brought my son into it and said I was unfit… that hurt me more than the actual thing,” she said.
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The 44-year-old star further revealed that the experience influenced her music, with some songs still too emotional for her to perform. Despite the ordeal, she credited her family, especially her mother, for offering support during the crisis.
On her personal life, Savage disclosed that she has been celibate for three years, saying she only engages in intimacy within meaningful relationships. She also confirmed that therapy has helped her navigate the trauma and shift her perspective on love and life.
Savage, who continues to thrive in her music career, said she is choosing healing and growth over public opinion, describing herself as “good” and focused on her family, friends, and art.