BBNaija 2022 winner, Josephina Otabor, better known as Phyna, has apologized to Nigerians for her controversial remarks about abortion in a recent interview.
The actress had suggested that “all” women have had abortions, which sparked outrage among many Nigerians.
While many people have accused Phyna of being insensitive and of making sweeping generalizations about women, others have defended her, saying that she was simply sharing her own experiences and that her comments should not be taken literally.
In a statement released on her Instagram page on November 3, 2023, Phyna explained that she was “misunderstood” and that she never meant to suggest that all women have had abortion.
She acknowledged that abortion is a “sensitive topic” and that she should have been more careful with her words.
In her words:
“PUBLIC STATEMENT
Good day to all and sundry,
I am Josephina Otabor pka Phyna and I write this statement to address the issues concerning an interview I did months ago where I talked about a very sensitive topic and I inaccurately suggested “all” women have engaged in it.
Firstly, I will like to address the fact that in as much as I was misunderstood, I didn’t mean to project it on every female gender. I will never encourage abortion especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it.
I admit that I was being too expressive in the heat of the interview hence my assertions.I will reiterate that abortion is not a thing I stand for and I should not be seen in that light and I admit to all mistakes made.
In addition, I’m currently working with gender-based organisations and NGOs to provide sensitization, education about abortion and other societal issues prone to the girl child.
I want to use this medium to thank my fans, friends and family for their constant love and support, I do not intend to let you down.
Thank you,
Phyna’
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