Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has found himself at the center of a social media storm following allegations of an abandoned pregnancy. The Afrobeats superstar took to Twitter on October 10, 2024, to respond to claims made by a woman identified only as Stella, sparking a heated online debate about celebrity accountability and social media conduct.
The controversy erupted when Stella, claiming to be Burna Boy’s ex-girlfriend, accused the artist of abandoning her after she became pregnant during their alleged three-year relationship. In a series of now-viral tweets, Stella stated that she had even reached out to Burna Boy’s mother about the pregnancy, only to be dismissed without further discussion.
Burna Boy’s response came swiftly and controversially. In a tweet that has since garnered over 100,000 retweets, the artist wrote, “Stella, weren’t you among those calling me impotent? How come I’m suddenly the father of your child?” The artist’s counter-accusation immediately set social media ablaze, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the unfolding drama.
Entertainment lawyer Folake Ani-Mumuney, speaking to our reporter outside her Lagos office, cautioned about the potential legal implications of such public disputes. While social media allows for immediate responses, celebrities need to be mindful of the long-term consequences of their words. Both parties could potentially face defamation suits depending on the veracity of their claims.
Burna Boy’s tweet didn’t stop at denial. In a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters, the artist implied that Stella was a sex worker, stating, “Your rate was 20,000 Naira per night, if I remember correctly.” He further encouraged his followers to share their experiences with Stella if they had ever “used her services.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about celebrity behavior and the power dynamics at play in the music industry. Social media analyst Oluwaseun Adebayo noted, “This situation highlights the complex relationship between artists and their public image. Burna Boy’s response, while attention-grabbing, may have unintended consequences for his brand.”
Fans of the artist have been divided in their reactions. Outside Burna Boy’s last known residence in Port Harcourt, a small group of supporters gathered, holding signs reading “We believe in Burna.” Meanwhile, online forums have been flooded with debates about the appropriateness of the artist’s response.
A spokesperson for Burna Boy’s management team, reached via phone, stated, “We are aware of the allegations and Mr. Oluwa’s response. At this time, we have no further comment as we are reviewing the situation internally.”
As the story continues to unfold, industry insiders are speculating about the potential impact on Burna Boy’s career. With a world tour scheduled to kick off next month, all eyes will be on how the artist navigates this controversy.
Music critic Ademola Johnson believes the incident could go either way for the artist. “Burna Boy has always been known for his outspoken nature. While this could alienate some fans, others might see it as staying true to his authentic self. The key will be how he handles the fallout in the coming days.”
As fans and critics alike await further developments, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media in shaping public narratives and the delicate balance celebrities must strike between personal expression and public responsibility.
