Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has found himself at the center of a public controversy after activist Martins Otse, also called VeryDarkMan (VDM), made serious allegations regarding his involvement with popular crossdresser Bobrisky. In response, Falz, through his legal team, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for VDM to retract his statements and issue a public apology, threatening legal action if he fails to comply.
The issue started on September 24, 2024, when VeryDarkMan shared an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly had a conversation with a male friend. During this discussion, Bobrisky made several claims that sparked widespread online attention. According to the audio, Bobrisky stated that he had spoken with Falz while in prison and that Falz, along with his father, Femi Falana, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had made efforts to secure him a presidential pardon. Bobrisky even mentioned asking Falz for N3 million to arrange a VIP prison section.
These revelations led to an immediate public reaction, with many questioning why a respected figure like Falz, who is known for his strong stance on justice and human rights, would associate with someone like Bobrisky in such a manner.
In reaction to the leaked audio, VeryDarkMan expressed disappointment and disgust, particularly at Falz and his father for allegedly getting involved with Bobrisky. VDM went on to suggest that their association might imply questionable ethics on Falz’s part, even going as far as to ask in a derogatory manner, “Falz dey do?” – a slang phrase hinting at whether Falz might be involved in homosexual activities.
VDM’s comments quickly spread across social media, with many sharing their opinions about the matter. The accusation implied that Falz, who is widely respected for his social and political activism, was not only involved in dubious financial dealings but might also be a hypocrite in his public image.
Falz, known for his transparency and bold opinions, did not take the accusations lightly. Through his father’s law firm, Femi Falana’s chambers, he released a statement clarifying the situation. In the statement, Falz confirmed that Bobrisky had indeed reached out to him on May 4, 2024, asking for N3 million to secure a VIP section in prison. However, Falz stated that he refused to give Bobrisky any money or assistance in this regard.
The rapper also strongly denied the claims made by VeryDarkMan, explaining that VDM’s comments falsely portrayed him as a corrupt individual who was willing to pervert justice for financial gains. Furthermore, Falz took issue with the implication that he was homosexual, which he viewed as both damaging and untrue. Falz’s lawyers highlighted that VDM had made these statements publicly without first seeking clarification or giving Falz the opportunity to present his side of the story.
In response to the defamation, Falz’s legal team has issued an official demand for VDM to issue a public retraction of his comments and apologize. The apology, according to the statement, must be posted on all the platforms where VDM originally made his claims. Falz’s lawyers emphasized that the retraction and apology are non-negotiable and must be made within 24 hours of receiving the demand.
If VeryDarkMan fails to meet the 24-hour deadline, Falz’s legal team has made it clear that they will proceed with legal action. This would include seeking appropriate legal remedies, such as monetary damages, for the harm caused by VDM’s defamatory statements. The lawyers have pointed out that VDM’s accusations have unjustly damaged Falz’s reputation and could potentially impact his standing in the entertainment and social activism spheres.
As expected, the incident has ignited widespread conversations on social media, with many fans and followers of both Falz and VeryDarkMan weighing in. Some are calling on VDM to apologize immediately to avoid further damage, while others are waiting to see how this situation unfolds in court if the activist refuses to comply with Falz’s demands.
Falz’s reputation as a strong voice for justice in Nigeria has made this case particularly significant. He is known for his outspoken nature, particularly when it comes to corruption, human rights, and social issues. Many see this situation as a test of how seriously he takes his own principles and whether he will go through with the legal action if VDM does not retract his statements.
On the other hand, VeryDarkMan, who is also known for being vocal about societal issues, is now in a difficult position. His willingness to stand by his claims or apologize will likely affect how his followers perceive him and his role as an activist moving forward.
This case between Falz and VeryDarkMan highlights the potential legal consequences of making unverified statements online. While freedom of speech is important, individuals must also consider the impact of their words, especially when it comes to reputations and public figures.
With the 24-hour deadline set by Falz, all eyes are on VeryDarkMan to see if he will retract his statements and apologize, or if this will escalate into a full-blown legal battle. Either way, the situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a public figure and the power of words in today’s digital age.
