“I Was The Victim, Not the Villain” — Tiwa Savage On Surviving A Sex Tape Scandal

Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, has finally set the record straight on one of the most controversial episodes of her career — the infamous sex tape that shook the internet and sparked a storm of criticism.

In a candid sit-down with The Breakfast Club, Savage dismissed viral claims that she deliberately leaked the video to stay relevant, revealing instead that it was circulated as part of a bet from her ex-partner’s circle.

“I was bashed for my sex video. A lot of people think I was just trying to get sympathy. Even people with platforms were quite horrible and blamed me,” she said. “I don’t know how they couldn’t see me as the victim in this.”

The singer recalled how the scandal left her emotionally shattered. Instead of compassion, she said, she was met with judgement and ridicule — even from influential media voices who accused her of staging the leak for attention.

Savage laughed off the absurdity of those claims:

“If I were doing that, I would have been intentional about it. I would’ve used better lighting, lingerie, and my facial expressions would have been on point.”

What kept her grounded, she shared, was the reassuring voice of her mother.

“My mom called me and said, ‘Don’t listen to them… I’m just happy that you’re enjoying yourself.’ Hearing my mom say that helped.”

Since then, Savage has turned to therapy to rebuild her sense of self. She admitted that the experience reshaped her outlook on love, intimacy, and the kind of connections she values.

At 45, she says she’s in no rush to seek validation through romance.

“I love my son, I love my team, my friends. I’ve been married before. I’m good,” she noted. “I’ve gone like maybe three years without intimacy. I have to be with someone for me to even think about it. I don’t have toys… maybe that’s what people should get me for Christmas,” she added with a laugh.

For Savage, surviving the scandal wasn’t just about reputation — it was about reclaiming her humanity in an industry quick to judge. And now, she says, she is more focused than ever on her music, her family, and living on her own terms.