Singer Jaywon has spoken about his strained relationship with colleague Ayra Starr, stemming from a viral photo that sparked mocking from trolls.

In a recent interview with News Central, Jaywon explained that the controversy began when a photo of him and Ayra Starr surfaced online.

Jaywon said he had taken the picture to show support and celebration for Ayra Starr’s success, considering her an amazing artist making Nigerians proud.

However, the photo was misinterpreted, and trolls began mocking Jaywon and he expected Ayra Starr and her management to address the trolls and clear up any misconceptions.

Instead, they remained silent, and her management promoted the photo, fueling its viral spread.

Jaywon feels Ayra Starr’s silence and her team’s actions were calculated to keep the attention on her.

He expressed disappointment but acknowledged it’s part of the music industry.

Jaywon said: “The Ayra Starr situation is unfortunate. We are not cool. People don’t get it. What would make me, Jaywon want to take a picture with Ayra Starr?

“Of course, she’s an amazing artist who has been making us [Nigerians] proud. So, it’s just love. I only wanted to support and celebrate her for the good work she’s doing.

“People also support and celebrate me, too. So when I see a young artist doing good, I want to be part of that celebration.

“We took a picture and it went viral, you and your never said anything about it. The only thing your management did was to promote the picture back to back. Nobody is dumb.

“We know how the [music] industry works. People are saying she didn’t say anything about the picture. Of course, she didn’t say anything about the picture but she saw it trending everyday. Why would she not say something about it?

“Oh yeah, because that is how they roll. I don’t blame them. They feel like if they say something, they are going to stop the picture from trending. They enjoy it. No problem. Everybody has their time.”