Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has revealed that her 2021 leaked sex tape was circulated as part of a bet, describing the ordeal as one of the most painful moments of her life.
Speaking during an interview with The Breakfast Club, released on Tuesday, the Afrobeats star disclosed that she has remained celibate for the past three years while reflecting on the scandal’s impact on her career, personal life, and mental health.
Savage explained that while her then-boyfriend claimed the tape leaked accidentally, she later discovered it had been shared as part of a bet among his friends.
“He said he was trying to save it, and then he pressed send by accident… I later on found out that it was a bet with his friends,” she said.
The singer added that many assumed she staged the leak for publicity.
“They thought I did it for PR. A lot of people thought, ‘oh, she’s not relevant anymore, and she’s doing this.’ And I’m like, guys, trust me, if I wanted to do that, I would have had better lighting,” she said.
Attempts to pursue legal action were abandoned due to the emotional strain.
“We tried, actually. But yeah, we couldn’t. And me trying was just, it was just too traumatic for me to keep talking about it. I just wanted to move on from it,” Savage explained.
She also revealed the harsh public backlash, including criticisms that questioned her fitness as a mother, hurt her more than the tape itself.
“They brought my son into it and said I was unfit… my son’s gonna grow up and see this and he’s gonna be disappointed in his mom. That hurt me more than the actual thing,” she added.
The star noted that the experience influenced her music, with some songs still too painful to perform. Despite the trauma, she credited her family, especially her mother, for their support.
“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,” Savage said.
The singer revealed that therapy has also been a key part of her healing process, alongside a new approach to love and intimacy. She admitted she has gone without intimacy for years and only considers it within meaningful connections.
“I’ve gone like maybe three years without. 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 joked.
