Warri Pikin apologises after a viral video with Timaya sparked backlash, saying her husband is angry and asking fans to understand what happened
Nigerian comedian and actress Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Warri Pikin, has apologised after a video of her dancing on stage with singer Timaya triggered backlash on social media.
The comedian addressed the controversy in a video shared after the incident, acknowledging that some of the public reaction came from genuine concern about her marriage rather than hostility.
Warri Pikin said her husband, Ikechukwu, was angry with her following the viral moment and jokingly questioned what would happen if her husband decided to end their marriage.
“Area, abeg make una no vex for me. I take full responsibility, make una forgive me,” she said.
The controversy followed a video from a Timaya performance in which Warri Pikin joined the singer on stage while he performed his song ‘Ukwu’.
The footage showed the comedian dancing with Timaya during the performance, with the singer making physical contact with her as they interacted on stage.
The moment quickly attracted attention online, with some viewers criticising Warri Pikin for what they considered inappropriate conduct towards a married woman.
Warri Pikin said she had been backstage enjoying the performance when Timaya invited a woman from the audience to join him on stage.
According to the comedian, she went out because she enjoys music and entertainment and did not anticipate how the moment would unfold.
“I no know say if Timaya dey perform his ‘Ukwu’ song, e dey bring women come outside,” she explained.
Warri Pikin said she initially resisted when Timaya indicated that she should participate more closely in the performance.
She explained that she eventually went along with the moment because she did not want to disrupt the singer’s performance.
“That’s when he told me I would jump on his body, and I said I couldn’t do it. I was very reluctant, but he said I was the one who came outside, so I shouldn’t spoil his performance,” she said.
While Warri Pikin described the experience on stage as entertaining, she acknowledged that the reception online was very different.
“It was very funny and entertaining on stage, but online it wasn’t funny,” she said.
The comedian also appealed to those who criticised her to ease up, particularly people who described themselves as her “online in-laws”.
“All my online in-laws, they say make I come for the marriage; where una wan push me go?” she said, adding that her husband was angry with her.
Warri Pikin stressed that the incident was not consistent with her usual behaviour and accepted responsibility for what happened.
“Na me put myself for this one,” she said.
She also urged social media users to distinguish between malicious criticism and genuine concern.
“Not everything is hate speech. Some people are just genuinely concerned,” she said.
The apology comes as public figures continue to face intense scrutiny over their personal lives, particularly when moments captured at entertainment events become viral on social media.
For Warri Pikin, the episode has shifted quickly from a light-hearted stage performance to a public conversation about boundaries, marriage and the expectations placed on entertainers.
Her decision to address the backlash directly suggests an attempt to bring the controversy under control while reassuring supporters that she understands why the video generated concern.
The comedian ended her response by asking the public to show her some understanding, describing the incident as one of those awkward situations that can arise unexpectedly.
“There are times you find yourself in some awkward situation, and yesterday was one of them,” she said.
For now, Warri Pikin appears to be drawing a line under the controversy by taking responsibility, apologising to those who felt offended and acknowledging the concerns raised by her supporters.
The viral video has nevertheless continued to fuel discussion online, demonstrating once again how quickly an unscripted entertainment moment can become a wider public debate.
