Popular Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has firmly denied viral claims linking her to HIV.
The actress broke her silence following a controversial video circulating on social media, which falsely listed her among Nigerian actors allegedly living with the virus.
The video, which went viral on Friday, was created by content creator Olaoluwa Segun.
In the clip, Segun named Amusa and four other actors as being HIV positive. His claims sparked widespread reactions, with many social media users tagging and questioning the actress.
In response, Dayo Amusa took to her Instagram page to set the record straight. She described the claim as not only false but also reckless and damaging. She explained that the video was based on a misinterpretation of an old social media post she made in 2019.
According to her, that post from six years ago was meant to raise awareness about HIV, encourage regular testing, and remove the stigma surrounding the virus. She clarified that she had revealed her HIV status in the post, which was negative, as part of a public health campaign.
Amusa said, “I want to address a video that has been trending on all social media platforms for the past 24 hours. It was posted by someone I do not know. People have been tagging me nonstop. This video was made using a post I shared in 2019, where I revealed that I tested negative for HIV.”
She added that her original post aimed to promote health education and encourage people to know their status. “The reason for that post was to educate the public. It’s important to know your HIV status. And even if someone tests positive, it’s not the end of the world. There are treatments available. You can live a full life,” she explained.
Dayo Amusa clears self
However, Amusa expressed shock and anger that someone could take her message out of context and use it to spread a harmful lie. She pointed out that the video had gained traction online, attracting many likes and comments, which made the damage worse.
“It’s unbelievable that someone would pick up that old post and twist it to say I am HIV positive. That’s a big lie. There was no investigation, no fact-checking. Just pure defamation,” she said.
The actress did not stop at simply debunking the rumour. She went further to issue a stern warning to the creator of the video. Amusa made it clear that she would not let the matter slide and would pursue legal action to ensure accountability.
“This kind of reckless content has to stop. I will make you a scapegoat. You can’t just wake up and damage someone’s reputation because you want views or attention,” she said angrily.
Amusa’s response has drawn support from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, many of whom applauded her courage and clarity in tackling the issue. Others used the opportunity to call for more responsibility in content creation and social media reporting.
Experts have long warned about the dangers of misinformation and the emotional and social damage it can cause. In cases involving health issues, such as HIV, the impact can be particularly severe, reinforcing stigma and causing unnecessary panic.
Legal analysts say that if Amusa proceeds with a lawsuit, the case could serve as a strong warning to content creators who spread unverified claims for viral attention. It could also help to set clearer boundaries around digital defamation and privacy rights in Nigeria’s fast-growing online space.
Dayo Amusa remains one of Nollywood’s respected actresses, known not just for her roles on screen but also for her outspoken nature and social commentary. Her quick response to this controversy has reinforced her reputation as someone unafraid to stand up for herself.
As of the time of this report, the content creator has not issued a public apology or taken down the video. However, pressure continues to mount from fans and supporters demanding accountability.
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