Evicted Big Brother Naija All-Stars housemate, Venita Akpofure, has apologised to the Tiv people of Benue State and beyond, over her controversial comment about the culture of the tribe.
LEADERSHIP recalls that while in the BBNaija Season 8 House, Venita sparked controversy after asserting on the reality TV show that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.”
But, the apex Tiv socio-cultural organisation, Mdzough U Tiv, Lagos State branch, and the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, had threatened legal actions against the reality TV star.
However, in a post-eviction interview with media personality, Hero Daniels, the mother of two said she was quoted out of context even as she regretted her “careless” comment.
She said she couldn’t have denigrated the Tiv people, especially as her two daughters are Tiv, having been fathered by a Tiv man.
Venita said, “The statement I made about Tiv people got twisted a bit. My daughters are actually Tiv. There’s no way I will be trying to make any kind of malicious or slanderous comment towards their people. Actually, in my season, we did a whole play around the Tor Tiv coronation, which I participated in and was super excited about.
“So, you know, sometimes you will say something, maybe it is a little bit carelessly. And I think it got really misconstrued. And for those that are offended by it, I’m regretful about that.”