Prominent Nollywood actress and filmmaker Dayo Amusa has firmly denied viral claims alleging she is HIV positive. The actress addressed the rumour in a strongly worded video shared via her official Instagram page, where she made it clear that the claims were based on an old social media post taken out of context.
The controversy erupted on Friday, July 19, 2025, after a viral video posted by a content creator named Olaoluwa Segun circulated across various platforms. In the video, the blogger listed five Nigerian actors he alleged were living with HIV, with Dayo Amusa’s name among them.
Amusa, who has enjoyed a stellar career in Nollywood for over two decades, responded with clarity and emotion. She explained that the blogger had dug up a post she made back in 2019, which was originally aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and fighting stigma around the virus.
In her reaction, she categorically stated: “I want to address a video that is trending across all social media platforms in the last 24 hours. A video posted by someone I don’t even know, and people have been tagging me in it. The video is related to a post I made in 2019 regarding my HIV status, which I clearly stated was negative. The aim of that post was to educate the public on why it’s important to know their status and to break the stigma surrounding HIV.”
The actress emphasized that the post had nothing to do with a personal health revelation but was part of her effort to use her influence to promote responsible health behavior and awareness.
“What I wrote six years ago was intended to encourage people to take HIV tests, know their status, and not be ashamed of seeking medical help if needed. It was not a confession or admission. It’s shocking and disappointing that someone would pick up that old post and twist it for cheap clout,” she said.
Dayo Amusa expressed her deep concern over the harmful impact such misinformation could have, not only on her personal life but also on public discourse around HIV awareness. She highlighted the damage that viral falsehoods can cause, particularly when they stem from baseless allegations.
“I’ve been in this industry for a long time, and I understand what it means to be a public figure. But when someone falsely accuses you of something as sensitive as this, it goes beyond gossip — it becomes defamation, and I will not take it lightly. I am HIV negative. I repeat, I am HIV negative. And I will make you, the person who made that video, a scapegoat,” she stated sternly.
She went on to condemn the irresponsible trend of individuals making unverified claims for social media traction, warning that it can have serious legal consequences.
“I’m not going to let this slide. We are in a digital age where anything said online spreads like wildfire. And unfortunately, not everyone checks the facts. Some people will just believe what they see in a viral video, no matter how false it is. I’ve seen comments, likes, shares — all based on a lie. It is not okay, and it’s time we take these things seriously.”
The actress also reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform to advocate for social causes, especially those related to public health and women’s empowerment. However, she stressed the need for mutual responsibility and respect in public discourse.
“It’s painful that a post meant to educate is now being used to tarnish my name. I still believe in creating awareness, and I still stand by everything I said in that 2019 post. But let it be known that twisting facts to fit a false narrative is criminal. I will take legal action against this blogger and others who promote such defamatory content,” she said.
Dayo Amusa’s response has been met with widespread support from fans and colleagues in the Nigerian film industry, many of whom took to her Instagram comment section to show solidarity and commend her for standing her ground.
One fan wrote, “Mama Dayo, thank you for speaking out. These content creators are going too far.” Another added, “You are a strong woman. We are proud of how you handled this. More power to you.”
Amusa, known for her roles in Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films, has been a leading voice in the entertainment industry, often using her platform to advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and health education. Her recent outburst is a reflection of growing concern among Nigerian celebrities about the increasing trend of fake news, cyberbullying, and defamation on social media.
Industry insiders are now calling for stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s cyber laws to curb the spread of misinformation, particularly those targeted at public figures without verification.
Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that defamatory claims made online can be grounds for both civil and criminal proceedings. “If the actress proceeds with legal action, the content creator may face charges for defamation of character, cyberbullying, and emotional distress,” one Lagos-based lawyer said.
As the story continues to generate online reactions, Dayo Amusa remains resolute in her stance — warning that while she is an advocate for freedom of expression, it should not come at the cost of truth and dignity.
“Let’s learn to protect people’s names unless we have facts. Today, it’s me — tomorrow it could be someone else. Let’s do better as a society,” she concluded.
By Africa Live News Editorial Team
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