Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has addressed the public discourse surrounding the recent separation of musician Innocent “2Face” Idibia and his wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia. In a video shared on his Instagram account, Basketmouth urged Nigerians to refrain from further commentary on the couple’s personal matters, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect for their privacy during this challenging time.
Basketmouth, who has known 2Face and Annie for 27 and 24 years respectively, expressed his respect and affection for both individuals. He acknowledged the intense public scrutiny they are currently facing and called on the public to consider the impact of their comments, not only on the couple but also on their children and extended family. He stated, “Let’s just back off. They’ve got kids, they’ve got a family.”
In his characteristic style, Basketmouth infused humor into his message by jesting about the timing of 2Face’s announcement, which coincided with the promotion of his own upcoming comedy tour. He humorously remarked that had 2Face consulted him, he would have advised delaying the announcement until after his tour promotions, saying, “Now this thing come outside, which mouth wey I wan take use promote show, because people will say I am insensitive.”
Despite the lightheartedness, Basketmouth’s message carried a deeper sentiment of solidarity and understanding. Having experienced public scrutiny over his own marital challenges, he empathized with 2Face and Annie, extending his heartfelt prayers and support. He emphasized the need for the public to allow the couple space to heal privately, free from external judgment and unsolicited opinions.
Basketmouth’s appeal highlights the broader issue of public intrusion into the personal lives of celebrities. His call for empathy and restraint serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even in the age of social media, where the lines between public and private life are often blurred.
In conclusion, Basketmouth’s message is a plea for compassion and understanding. He urges the public to consider the human aspect behind the headlines and to allow 2Face and Annie the dignity of navigating their personal challenges without the added burden of public scrutiny. As he aptly put it, “Let’s just back off.”