Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has issued a public apology after facing heavy backlash for comments she made in a recent interview, where she appeared to confess to introducing her teenage daughter to alcohol and nightlife at the age of 17.

 

In the now-viral interview, Bakare said she took her daughter, Simisola, to a club to celebrate her 17th birthday and expressed pride in being the one to give her a first taste of nightlife.

 

“I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,” she said in the interview. “At least, she would say, ‘It was my mother who showed me these things first.’”

 

The comments triggered an outpouring of criticism online, with many Nigerians accusing the actress of promoting irresponsible parenting and exposing a minor to inappropriate adult experiences.

 

In response, Bakare took to social media on Sunday, sharing new videos of her daughter and issuing a heartfelt apology. She clarified her remarks, stating that it was a “slip of the tongue” and that her daughter did not consume alcohol during the birthday outing.

 

“She’s still a minor, a young girl. It was a slip of the tongue. She doesn’t take alcohol,” Bakare said. “Yes, I did take her to a club, but that was for her birthday after-party. She didn’t stay long there. But no alcohol was involved.”

 

The actress admitted she hadn’t realized the impact of her words until a video of the interview was sent to her. “I didn’t know I said it. But the video was sent to me. I never introduced her to any of such. I am sorry,” she added.

 

Bakare emphasized that her intention was to guide her daughter through life experiences in a safe and supervised way, rather than have her explore such spaces recklessly or through negative influences.

 

Despite the apology, the incident has sparked ongoing debate about the responsibilities of celebrity parents, boundaries in parenting, and the influence public figures wield through their platforms.

 

As of now, Bakare has not indicated whether she will take further steps to clarify or address the controversy beyond her public statement.