Controversial Nigerian singer and internet personality, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has defended himself amid backlash over a video in which he claimed to have slept with a 15-year-old girl.

In a follow-up video posted on Wednesday via his social media handle, Akpi claimed the controversial remark was a publicity stunt to promote his music, not a real confession of any bad act.

“This video is for all, I guess, fans and followers that are angry that I made a video saying I slept with a 15-year-old,” he said.

“I’m an artist. We need controversy to eat. We need to stay controversial to eat. If they don’t talk about you, you’re not getting booked. Simple.”

Akpi added that he does not perform gospel music and, therefore, was not bound by any moral restrictions in his lyrics or promotional style.

“So when I drop that kind of music, we need content to push it — that’s what I was doing. So don’t give it more life than it’s supposed to have,” he added.

While he did not retract the statement outrightly, he offered a general apology, saying, “If any of you is offended, apologies.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that Akpi had said during an Instagram live session that he tipped a hotel to clean blood stains that came out while he was defiling a 15-year-old minor.

The video, which ignited backlash online, also captured the attention of the Lagos State government, which escalated the matter to higher authorities for possible action.