Speed Darlington avers statements, apologizes to Burna Boy

Controversial singer, Speed Darlington has formally apologized to Burna Boy, another Nigerian singer, stating that his earlier comments were meant to be humorous rather than defamatory.

The apology follows concerns raised by Speed Darlington's three-day disappearance last week. Later on, it became clear that his disrespectful and disparaging remarks against Burna Boy and his mother were the reason he had been taken into custody.

Following his release from custody, Speed Darlington apologized to Burna Boy via his legal team, clarifying that his remarks were not meant to be hurtful or to ruin people's reputations.

He claimed that he had no intention of disparaging the well-known performer and was only experimenting with his humorous side.

The statement read:“PUBLIC STATEMENT.

Without prejudice. Our client, having taken time to reflect on the events of the past few days, deems it necessary to
release this statement through his legal representatives which shall therefore serve as his official
statement and comment on the event.

l. Our client believes strongly in collaboration and healthy competition. He appreciates his
colleague’s artistry and is confident that his colleague equally appreciates his craft. There
have never been any prior discord or unresolved differences between them.

2. Our client whom many have come to know as a “joy-giver” made the video in question
purely for laughs and for its entertainment value, with no intention to malign or defame.
Our client was only exploring his comedic side, and while the content may have been
interpreted as extreme, it was never meant to harm or put a stain on his colleague’s
reputation. He did not foresee the level of public attention the video would attract.

3. Our client, who holds his mother in the highest regard, does not condone disrespect towards
mothers or women in general. He therefore confided in us that the video which was said to
have disrespected his colleague’s mom was a “misrepresentation of words” or a slip of the
tongue. If any remarks made were perceived as disrespectful towards his colleague’s
mother, such comments were unintended.

4. Our client having recognized his position as an influential member of the society and a role
model has henceforth taken the responsibility to set a positive example. He does not
condone the use of social media platforms to malign, defame and disrespect individuals
and has committed to using his influence to foster peace and set a good example moving
forward.

5. Finally, our client has privately reached out to his colleague and his team in the spirit of
brotherhood and extension of an olive branch and to offer further clarification in person to
him.
This publication only serves as an official statement/ comment of our client on the event and should
not be mistaken as an admission of guilt (if there be any) and should therefore never be taken as such.

STAN ALIEKE, Esq.