Jim Iyke: My bizarre message to Kate was overanalysed

Nollywood star Jim Iyke has shed more light on the controversial birthday post he made to celebrate his longtime colleague, Kate Henshaw, explaining that it was deliberately crafted to spark reactions.

The actor, who has often been described as one of the industry’s most unconventional figures, revealed in a recent interview with Pulse TV that the post was in line with his trademark disruptive style. According to him, nothing he does is accidental, as he has built a reputation for challenging norms and stirring conversations.

“It was designed to shock. Everything I do is to disrupt. But again, look at it, 80% of the people today get it,” Iyke said, defending his choice of words. “It’s a communication between two people who have known each other for decades and who have something legal that is accustomed to just the two of them. There is no sensitivity, disrespect, and there is nothing I can do to dishonour her.”

The actor, who has worked in Nollywood for more than two decades, stressed that his friendship with Kate Henshaw goes far beyond the superficial. He described her as family, a sister with whom he has shared a rare bond that most people could hardly understand.

“Kate is my sister. How many people can say they have two decades of relationship with someone that isn’t biologically with them?” he asked rhetorically, brushing aside criticism that his words were inappropriate.

For Iyke, the backlash was a reflection of the hypersensitive nature of today’s digital audience rather than a sign of any wrongdoing. He argued that social media users often overanalyse actions that were never intended for public dissection.

“When people misconstrued it, this generation is just too sensitive,” he added with emphasis, clearly unbothered by the uproar.

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