Isbae U: I Thought My Career Was Over After 2022 Sex Scandal

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Nigerian content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Isbae U, has opened up about the difficult period he experienced following a controversy that attracted widespread criticism in 2022.

The skit maker spoke about the experience during an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, revealing that the backlash was so intense that he began questioning whether his career had reached its end.

According to Isbae U, the situation was particularly difficult because some of the people who had previously supported and praised his work suddenly became critical of him.

He recalled how public reaction changed during the controversy and said the experience taught him how quickly public opinion could shift when a public figure becomes involved in a contentious situation.

During the difficult period, Isbae U said he sought advice from fellow content creator Mr Macaroni. He explained that he asked whether the controversy meant the end of his career because he was uncertain about what would happen next.

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“2022 was a tough time for me. It was the first time I was going through something like that, and then I asked Mr Macaroni, ‘Is this the end?’” he said.

Isbae U said the experience also showed him that public support could change quickly.

He recalled that people who had previously left positive comments about his work began making negative remarks, regardless of what he was experiencing personally.

Rather than allowing the backlash to permanently affect his career, the content creator said he decided to concentrate on improving his craft and becoming a better person.

He also changed how much of his private life he shared online.

According to him, he stopped posting extensively about his personal life and focused instead on producing entertainment for his audience.

“I stepped back from posting anything about my life and I kept giving them entertainment,” he said.

Isbae U added that he preferred to concentrate on his work rather than worry about how people responded to him.

He also discussed his interview programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, explaining that the concept is designed to show audiences a different side of celebrities.

He said he would be interested in interviewing U.S. President Donald Trump as part of the programme.

The creator’s comments provide insight into how the 2022 controversy affected him personally and professionally, while also highlighting the approach he adopted to continue his career.

Dolly Parton’s Sister Denies Family Feud Over Singer’s Estate

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Freida Parton, the younger sister of late country music star Dolly Parton, has rejected reports of a family dispute over the singer’s estate.

Freida addressed the reports in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 23, insisting that the Parton/Owens family remains united despite recent legal developments involving Dolly’s nephew, Bryan Seaver.

“I’ll say this and this only: there is no feud within our family,” Freida wrote. “No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate.”

Her statement followed reports concerning Seaver, who had served as head of security for properties belonging to Dolly and was selected to announce the singer’s death.

Following Dolly’s death, Seaver was removed from the security arrangement. The development was followed by legal action involving Dolly’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell.

Nozell sought legal protection against Seaver, while court filings from the estate accused him of making threatening statements.

Seaver has disputed the description of his messages as threats. A Tennessee judge has since issued a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his private security company.

Read Also: ‘Cinema or No Cinema, I Won’t Stop’ – Eniola Ajao Responds to Acting Critic

The legal dispute generated speculation about possible disagreements within the Parton family, particularly because of Seaver’s connection to Dolly and her estate.

Freida, however, sought to separate the legal dispute from the family’s personal relationships.

Addressing concerns about her nephew, she said family members continued to love and support him.

“We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other,” she wrote.

She ended her message by expressing affection for the wider family and those who had followed the developments surrounding Dolly’s estate.

The statement comes amid increased public attention following Dolly Parton’s death at the age of 80 on August 25.

While the legal dispute involving Seaver remains ongoing, Freida’s comments indicate that the family does not consider the matter an internal feud over Dolly’s estate.

Her statement was aimed at clarifying reports of division and reassuring fans that the wider Parton/Owens family remains united.

‘Cinema or No Cinema, I Won’t Stop’ – Eniola Ajao Responds to Acting Critic

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Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has responded to movie critic Tolu Fagbure after he questioned her acting ability and criticised her decision to take films to the cinema.

Fagbure made the comments during an interview on Agbaletu while discussing Ajao and her work in the Nigerian film industry.

The critic said he did not believe Ajao had a place in the cinema, particularly referencing her movie Ajakaju. He also compared her to actor Odunlade Adekola, saying both belonged to the same category.

According to Fagbure, Ajao’s physical appearance was her major advantage, but he questioned whether her performances could be described as acting.

He said the actress had a “fine face” and described her delivery as “plastic,” while claiming that he did not believe she possessed the talent required for acting or had developed it into a skill.

The interviewer questioned whether the criticism was too harsh.

Fagbure responded that his comments represented his personal opinion and were not meant to be regarded as an absolute judgment.

“My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.

Ajao later responded to the criticism in a post on X.

Rather than indicating that she was discouraged by the comments, the actress said she would continue working, improving and allowing audiences to determine how they viewed her performances.

She also made a reference to Fagbure’s comment about her appearance.

“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.

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The actress added that she would continue doing what she knows how to do by working and growing in her profession.

She further stated that opinions were freely expressed, but careers were built through continued effort.

“After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” Ajao said.

The actress also made it clear that criticism of her movies or the outcome of their cinema releases would not make her abandon acting.

“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon,” she added.

Ajao’s response has generated attention among entertainment followers, with the exchange highlighting the continuing debate over movie criticism, acting standards and the performance of Nollywood productions in cinemas.

For now, Ajao appears determined to continue her career despite the criticism, while Fagbure has maintained that his comments were simply his personal assessment of her work.

Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Assault

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Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.

Weinstein, 74, was resentenced on Wednesday in a packed Manhattan courtroom after a jury found him guilty again during a 2025 retrial. The latest sentence follows the overturning of his original 23-year prison term by an appeals court in 2024.

Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence, while Weinstein’s lawyers urged the court to show leniency, warning that a lengthy prison term could mean he would die behind bars.

Addressing the court from a wheelchair, Weinstein pleaded for mercy and denied being a violent person.

“I am not a violent man, have some mercy,” he said. He also apologized to people he had hurt, saying he was sincerely sorry.

Haley, who was present in court, told the judge that Weinstein’s actions had left her with lasting psychological trauma. She said the assault resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder and described the experience as a “life sentence.”

Haley also accused Weinstein of abusing his position of power in Hollywood and said she felt humiliated that he considered her insignificant enough to violate her.

Weinstein was once among the most influential figures in the American film industry. Through his work on major productions, he became a powerful producer capable of influencing careers, projects and opportunities across Hollywood.

Read Also: Doris Ogala Threatens to Expose Apostle Suleman, Says ‘I Know a Lot’

His downfall began after investigations published by The New York Times and The New Yorker in 2017 detailed allegations of sexual misconduct involving numerous women. More than 80 women subsequently accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault or other abusive behavior.

The allegations became a major catalyst for the global #MeToo movement, which encouraged victims of sexual harassment and abuse to publicly share their experiences.

Weinstein still faces legal proceedings in California. His conviction for the 2013 rape and sexual assault of an actress in Los Angeles was upheld by an appeals court in June, although his 16-year sentence was vacated. He is expected to be resentenced in that case.

Meanwhile, a separate New York case involving allegations from actor Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors later announced that they would not pursue another trial in Mann’s case.

The latest sentence adds another chapter to Weinstein’s dramatic fall from Hollywood power and the legal battles that have followed the allegations that helped transform the entertainment industry.

Doris Ogala Threatens to Expose Apostle Suleman, Says ‘I Know a Lot’

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Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has criticised Apostle Johnson Suleman over his recent comments about the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, had reportedly spoken positively about Otti’s administration, suggesting that the governor could secure a second term without having to campaign extensively.

Ogala reacted to the clergyman’s remarks in a post on Instagram, questioning his assessment of the situation in Abia State.

The actress also challenged Suleman’s conduct as a pastor and disputed his reported comments concerning the availability of electricity in the state.

Ogala alleged that Suleman had not visited Abia State before making his observations about conditions in the state. She argued that the experiences of residents living in Abia should be considered when assessing the performance of the state government.

Read Also: Bobrisky Says He Wants to Be Born Again, Wonders What Will Happen to My Bre@sts And Bum?

In her strongly worded response, Ogala also criticised some individuals who identify as pastors, accusing them of using religion to influence or mislead members of the public.

She specifically challenged Suleman to explain the basis of his assessment of Otti’s administration and his comments about electricity supply in Abia.

“How dare you come to lie that there is 24 hrs light in Abia?” she asked, while also alleging that Suleman had not visited the state.

Ogala further claimed that residents living in Abia were experiencing difficulties that, in her view, were not reflected in some public comments about the state.

She also suggested that Suleman’s support for Otti could be interpreted as political campaigning, despite the pastor’s reported position that he was not campaigning.

The actress warned that she would respond further if she believed her political campaign or the people of Abia were being misrepresented.

“I speak with evidence,” she said, adding that she regarded the remarks as a direct challenge to her and the people she seeks to represent.

Ogala concluded by saying she was prepared to face any legal or institutional consequences arising from the dispute, stating that she would not back down from the confrontation.

Her comments have added another layer to the ongoing political debate surrounding the performance of the Abia State government and the forthcoming election.

Bobrisky Says He Wants to Be Born Again, Wonders What Will Happen to My Bre@sts And Bum?

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Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he is considering becoming a born-again Christian after observing changes in the life of his close friend, actress Tonto Dikeh.

Bobrisky made the disclosure in a recent Instagram post while celebrating his friendship with the actress and commenting on her reported spiritual transformation.

The social media personality said Tonto’s new lifestyle had given him a sense of peace and made him think about embracing Christianity himself.

He described Tonto as his best friend and expressed happiness about the changes he has seen in her life. Bobrisky also assured the actress that their friendship would remain strong despite her becoming more involved in evangelism.

According to him, the actress recently asked him to send a photograph for a birthday post. However, after receiving the pictures, she reportedly joked about his appearance and requested a more decent image because of her new identity as an evangelist.

Read Also: Davido’s Sister Reveals How She Tries to Limit His Luxury Spending

Bobrisky shared the exchange with his followers and used it as an opportunity to discuss his own thoughts about spiritual transformation.

He said he genuinely wanted to become born again because watching Tonto’s journey had been giving him peace.

However, the social media personality raised a humorous concern about whether embracing the Christian lifestyle would require him to change aspects of his physical appearance.

He joked about his body features and also referenced previous changes he had made to his appearance, asking where he would even begin if he decided to undergo a complete transformation.

The comments have attracted attention online, with social media users reacting to Bobrisky’s unusual but humorous reflection on faith, friendship and personal change.

His post also showed the continued bond between him and Tonto Dikeh, as he publicly celebrated what he described as the actress’s growth while considering a possible spiritual transformation of his own.

Davido’s Sister Reveals How She Tries to Limit His Luxury Spending

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Sharon Ademefun, elder sister of Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has opened up about her role as the singer’s financial manager and the measures she takes to monitor his spending.

Ademefun, who serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Davido Music Worldwide, disclosed this while appearing on The Morayo Show, hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown.

According to her, she holds weekly financial meetings with Davido to ensure that the singer understands how his money is being spent and to encourage greater financial discipline.

She revealed that she regularly warns her brother against purchasing more luxury cars and expensive jewellery, although her advice does not always prevent him from making such acquisitions.

“Me and Davido sit and have a finance meeting every week because I think it is important for him to know how his money is being spent. I will now say, ‘David, please, no more cars,’” she said.

Ademefun added that despite such conversations, she sometimes discovers that Davido has purchased another luxury item shortly afterwards.

Read Also: P-Square: Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800,000 in Royalties Without Sharing With Jude

“No more jewellery. Twenty-four hours later, you know how they normally say it, ‘two to three business days’, I’ll just see on the blogs. This latest car,” she said.

The businesswoman explained that her involvement in Davido’s career dates back to the early stages of his professional journey. She said her current position developed naturally from her previous experience working with the singer as part of his management team.

Ademefun admitted that she and Davido have had disagreements over the years because she is willing to challenge him when necessary.

“The problem is that David and I were always fighting. If other people can’t tell him, me I’ll tell him,” she explained.

She said the two eventually pursued separate professional paths before she returned to help introduce more structure into the singer’s business operations.

When asked about the details of Davido’s wealth, Ademefun declined to disclose specific information, saying she had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

“I’ve signed a non-disclosure agreement! I can’t confirm or deny!” she said.

She also explained that Davido has a management team responsible for his daily logistics. However, she sometimes steps in when attempts to reduce expenses affect his comfort, particularly during travel.

Ademefun also discussed her fashion brand, Body Politics, which caters to women across a wide range of body sizes, from XXS to 5XL.

She said she intends to focus on improving the existing business rather than expanding too rapidly, while planning more pop-ups and increased product availability.

P-Square: Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800,000 in Royalties Without Sharing With Jude

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Singer Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, has confirmed receiving over $800,000 from SACEM as royalties from the musical works of the P-Square group, but never gave his elder brother Jude his share.

Peter made the above assertions before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, while being cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), lawyer to his brother, Jude Okoye.

SACEM is a French professional association that collects music royalties and distributes them to songwriters, composers, and publishers.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are being tried before the court on allegations of N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Jude had pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge made against him and his company.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, Peter, who was cross-examined virtually, was questioned about his earlier claim that it took Jude over three months to send P-Square’s backend royalty records to him when he requested it in 2022.
But when Jude’s counsel told him that he requested the records on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent them to him six days later, on October 22. Peter disagreed, and insisted that he had made the request earlier in 2022.

However, when asked to produce a text message, email or document showing that he had made the request before October 16, 2022, Peter admitted: “No. I don’t have any, and I can’t recall.”

Peter further confirmed that he received the royalty report sent by Jude. He also acknowledged that the report covered royalties from 2016 through 2022, including records relating to Lex Records.

‎‎Explaining why the report was requested, the singer said it was connected to people who were interested in buying the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter also admitted that Jude had forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was aware that the report had been sent to him. But disputed Jude’s entitlement to royalties paid through SACEM, saying that the payments belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.

‎‎When questioned that the SACEM contract was signed by Jude and not by Peter or Paul. Peter, however, maintained that it was signed by “the team”, insisting that Jude was not part of the team.

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‎‎He also admitted that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs.

‎‎Peter confirmed that he had previously paid a quarter of his SACEM share to Jude, but denied that Jude demanded quarterly payments from the royalties after their reconciliation in 2022.

‎‎When further confronted with the claim that he had received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, he admitted receiving the money but said nothing was given to his brother, saying that the money was for the artists.

‎‎Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter answered “No, the money was for the artists”.

‎‎When asked what he paid Jude as the manager of P-Square group, Peter said he had no employment contract with Jude, explaining that the arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited.

‎‎When also asked whether Jude was part of P-Square, Peter replied and said: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”

‎When asked whether this meant Jude was not involved in music produced by P-Square, Peter maintained that all the group’s songs were composed, written and produced by him and Paul. But acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.

‎‎Meanwhile, further hearing of the matter has been adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026.

Amaka Arukwe: The Experience Curator Behind Nollywood’s Biggest Premieres

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RedBox Founder and Chief Creative Director, Amaka Arukwe, has spent over 13 years shaping the experiences behind some of Nollywood’s biggest premieres and cultural events.

Arukwe, whose work many have seen without knowing the face behind it, has curated premieres for blockbusters including Call of My Life, Sugar Rush, Palava, Omo Ghetto, Lisabi and Colours of Fire.

As Founder and Chief Creative Director of RedBox, she has built her career at the intersection of entertainment, creativity and experience, designing events that extend the story beyond the screen and into the room.
Her portfolio extends beyond film. RedBox has delivered corporate events, brand activations, cultural experiences, festivals and large-scale productions for global brands and institutions including Netflix, Meta, Tolaram, IFC and Access Bank.

The agency has also played a key role across five consecutive editions of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), handling events and branding for workshops, premieres and galas. Arukwe herself serves as Events & Branding lead at AFRIFF.

Read Also: American Music Icon Lionel Richie Hospitalised Again

Speaking on her philosophy, Arukwe said she prioritises feeling over spectacle.

“I’m always thinking about what people will feel, not just what they will see. The best experiences stay with you long after you’ve left the room,” she enthused.

That approach is now being applied to another major entertainment occasion, with Akukwe and the RedBox team part of the team behind the Black Market event at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, which is expected to welcome more than 50,000 people.

It is another example of the scale and diversity of work that has defined Akukwe’s career, from intimate brand experiences and corporate gatherings to film premieres, festivals and major public events.

For more than a decade, Arukwe has built RedBox on a simple idea: an event can be more than a gathering, it can become part of the story.

American Music Icon Lionel Richie Hospitalised Again

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American music legend, Lionel Richie, has been hospitalised for the third time since June after experiencing heart-related problems during his ongoing tour.

The 77-year-old singer has cancelled his next three scheduled concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire as he takes time away from performing to recover from a medical procedure for atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib.

Richie’s representative told The Independent on Tuesday that the singer underwent a procedure to treat the condition and was recovering well.

“Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” the representative said.

The affected performances were scheduled to take place in San Francisco, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, with the Columbus concert originally set for October 2.

Heart condition prompts latest break

AFib is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

Although the condition is not generally considered life-threatening on its own, it can lead to other health complications, making medical monitoring important.

Richie’s latest hospitalisation comes after two previous health-related incidents during his current tour.

In August, the singer spent three days in hospital after experiencing difficulties during his August 29 performance in St Louis, Missouri.

Richie became visibly winded during the concert and was seen asking for a chair while performing “All Night Long”, the final song of his set.

He subsequently left the performance and was taken to hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Earlier medical episode

The singer’s first hospital visit during the tour occurred on June 24 during the opening show in St Paul, Minnesota.

Richie experienced a dizzy spell while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling”. He acknowledged the problem while on stage and decided to perform part of the song while seated.

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He joked with the audience about sitting down whenever he felt dizzy before continuing to perform at the piano.

The episode eventually led to an unscheduled break from the performance. He later postponed two tour dates after consulting a doctor.

Richie subsequently reassured his fans in a July 4 Instagram post, thanking them for their messages and support and saying he was recovering well.

Despite the health setbacks, the veteran singer had continued his tour before the latest procedure prompted another temporary break from the stage.

Career and upcoming performances

Richie first rose to prominence as a member of The Commodores before establishing a highly successful solo career.

He became one of the most recognisable American singers of his generation, with songs including “All Night Long”, “Hello” and “Dancing on the Ceiling” becoming enduring hits.

His current tour is scheduled to conclude on October 2, although the latest cancellations have altered the final stretch of his performances.

Following the tour, Richie is expected to begin his King of Hearts residency in Las Vegas on October 14.

The residency is scheduled to continue through mid-November, with the singer expected to return to the stage after taking time to recover from his latest medical procedure.