Veteran Nigerian rapper William Orioha, popularly known as 2Shotz, has opened up about the devastating impact an old allegation had on both his career and personal life.
The rapper spoke candidly during an interview on the Teju Babyface Show, detailing how a dispute with actress Beverly Osu spiralled into accusations of assault that he says misrepresented the truth.
According to 2Shotz, the incident occurred years before his marriage, during a period when Beverly Osu, who had appeared in one of his music videos, frequently visited his home.
He explained that what started as a disagreement turned contentious, and he inadvertently brushed her face with his hand during a heated moment.
“Beverly interpreted it as physical assault, and the story quickly spread,” he said. “The fallout was catastrophic. It went far beyond what I ever imagined.”
2Shotz emphasized that he has never been violent and that the situation was widely misrepresented. He described the allegation as a turning point that caused irreparable damage to his reputation.
The rapper revealed that the accusation had severe consequences for his career. Endorsement deals fell through, performance bookings dried up, and public criticism intensified. “Everybody tore me apart. I wasn’t getting shows. I wasn’t getting deals,” he said. “I lost my house. I almost killed myself. I walked into water, and people had to pull me out.”
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For 2Shotz, the public scrutiny and professional setbacks compounded, leaving him in a period of intense despair. He described the experience as one of the darkest periods of his life, one that tested both his resilience and faith.
Beyond his career, the rapper revealed the toll the allegation took on his personal relationships. He said the incident strained family ties and created a deep sense of isolation.
“It derailed my music career and personal relationships,” he added, underscoring how false narratives can have lasting repercussions on a person’s life.
Despite the challenges, 2Shotz credited his eventual recovery to perseverance and the support of those who believed in him.
His story sheds light on the broader pressures faced by public figures, particularly in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where allegations, whether true or false, can spread rapidly and impact livelihoods.
Throughout the interview, 2Shotz maintained that the incident was blown out of proportion. He stressed that the allegation did not reflect his character or behavior.
“I was accused of so many things that I’m not,” he said. The rapper also warned about the dangers of misinformation and how it can irreparably damage someone’s career and mental health.
In sharing his story, 2Shotz highlighted the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry. The pressure to maintain a public image while dealing with personal trauma can be overwhelming, he noted.
His experience underscores the need for support systems for artists navigating public scrutiny and personal crises.
Today, 2Shotz is working to rebuild his career and reclaim his place in the music industry. He continues to release music, collaborate with other artists, and engage with fans who have supported him throughout the ordeal.
By speaking out, he hopes to encourage honesty, accountability, and compassion, emphasizing that no one should be judged solely on unverified claims. “It’s been a long road, but I’m focused on moving forward and creating music that resonates with people,” he said.
2Shotz’s revelations serve as a cautionary tale about the power of allegations and public perception in shaping careers. While he acknowledges the incident was a painful chapter in his life, he is determined to rise above it and continue contributing to Nigerian music.
The rapper’s story reminds fans and industry stakeholders alike of the human side of fame, the vulnerabilities, struggles, and the resilience required to survive and thrive in the spotlight.