Comedian, Basketmouth, has issued a statement days after he was dropped as one of the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) campaign against sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

A few days ago, the 41-year-old comedian faced backlash after he was unveiled alongside other Nigerian celebrities for the EU’s cause on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Many social media users reacted negatively to Basketmouth’s inclusion because of a joke he once performed.

Back in 2014, the comedian joked about Nigerian women deserving to be raped if they refuse to have sex by the second date.

Following the backlash he received at the time, he later apologised for the insensitive joke.

Early this year, Basketmouth made an appearance on ‘The Dangerous World of Comedy’ by Larry Charles.

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When asked about the rape joke he made on social media, he revealed that some people liked such jokes and it helps him sell show tickets.

A cross-section of Nigerians on Twitter argued that Basketmouth was not fit to represent women and the issues they face.

The EU ultimately took him off its ambassadorial list.

Although the EU did not release a statement to this effect, the comedian’s name was omitted in a new list posted online on Tuesday.

Some of the Nigerian personalities currently on the campaign are Timi Dakolo, Kadaria Ahmed, Waje, Omoni Oboli, Dakore Akande, Omawumi, Adesuwa Etomi, Banky W, Toyin Abraham and Ali Nuhu.

Apologies

Narrating his side of the story on Instagram, the comedian said he apologised for his jokes that drew widespread condemnation.

He, however, appreciated the EU for the honour given him to stand as its ambassador against the scourge.

“I was recently presented an opportunity to create awareness on the efforts of the EU to bring support to fighting this scourge, it was a no-brainer for me. I refused any compensation for it and volunteered to lend my voice because it’s our fight, it’s not for the EU. It’s for my girls’ future,” he said.

“Unfortunately, a few years ago I shared up a Facebook post that I thought was shedding light through humour to the entitled crude and very present behavioural patterns of some African men who equate spending to sexual favours, but I also realised then that women actually have to face this daily and it’s harrowing and I deeply apologised for it,” the comedian added.

View this post on Instagram

Almost every morning in the blogs, on the news, there's a picture of a man sitting on the floor pleading, the caption is usually in the line of 'its the devils handwork' and the topic is from underage defilement, rape or brutality against a woman or minor. I live in this same world with my most prized possessions my wife, my two daughters, my sisters and women who have built me into the man I am. I was recently presented an opportunity to create awareness on the efforts of the EU to bring support to fighting this scourge, it was a no-brainer for me. I refused any compensation for it and volunteered to lend my voice because….its our fight, it's not for the EU…its for my girls' future. Unfortunately, a few years ago I shared up a Facebook post that I thought was shedding light through humor to the entitled crude and very present behavioral patterns of some African men who equate spending to sexual favors, but I also realized then that women actually have to face this daily and its harrowing and I deeply apologized for it I sincerely pray that this does not take away from the most important fight of our lives….the fight to secure our future…because the girl child is our future. I strongly appreciate the EU for this amazing platform to improve our lot, as long as the message reaches the ears of those who need it, then it's a win. To every woman – our mothers, sisters, lovers, wives, crowns, supporters, prayer partners, foundation, life…. thank you for being who you are. So many times you sacrifice who you are for a man to become who he wants to be. It's time we all love and and also support you like you do us….cos in your light, we all shine Bless.

A post shared by Basketmouth (@basketmouth) on Dec 2, 2019 at 11:52am PST