The management team of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 11 housemate Aikou has accused fellow contestants Bells and Ricky of repeatedly alleging that the reality star is gay, describing the claims as defamatory.
In a statement shared on X, Aikou’s team referenced a video clip in which Bells and Ricky were seen discussing the housemate.
The team warned that repeatedly making personal claims or assigning labels to an individual without evidence could have serious consequences and cause significant harm.
“Repeatedly attaching a personal label to someone without evidence can cause real harm,” the statement reads.
“Bells, you have repeatedly told other housemates that Aikou is GAY, despite having no evidence or basis for making such a claim.
“This has happened more than once, and the fact that it continues to be repeated makes it even more concerning.”
The team stressed that personal assumptions about Aikou should not be presented as facts, adding that his friendships and expressions of affection do not determine his sexuality.
“Aikou’s friendships, the letters he writes to people he cares about, or the way he expresses affection do not give anyone, not even you, the right to determine or publicly declare his sexuality,” the statement reads.
“These are personal assumptions, not facts, and they should not be presented to others as though they are.
“@BellsImoh, @Ricky_jumbo, you both are entitled to your opinions, but you are not entitled to define someone else’s identity for them or repeatedly spread an unverified claim about it.”
The team also urged the housemates to respect Aikou’s boundaries and allow him to define himself.
“Respect people’s boundaries and allow them to define themselves. Repeatedly making and spreading personal claims about someone can have serious consequences and cause genuine harm,” it read.
“This is defamation of character.”