Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has addressed rumors regarding his sexual orientation.
Recently, Elliot was included in a list of prominent Nigerian celebrities alleged to be involved in homosexuality, which ignited significant backlash from social media users.
In a viral interview with TVC, he dismissed the allegations as unfounded, emphasizing that he has more pressing matters to attend to than engaging with harmful rumors.
He stated, “Why would I respond to allegations made against me when it did not reduce or increase my life? Secondly, it is an opinion that is being conceived. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to come out and say it’s true or not true; as long as I’m affecting people positively, I’m good. So let me state it very clearly that I am straight.”
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is a prominent Nigerian actor, director, and politician. He was elected as a representative for the Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly during the Nigerian General Elections held on April 11, 2015. Elliot also sought to serve as the ambassador for the Face of Hope Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing illiteracy among Nigerian youth.
In October 2020, amidst the End SARS protests, Desmond faced significant backlash for purportedly endorsing the Anti-Social Media Bill in Nigeria, a claim he initially refuted when it first emerged on social media. A widely circulated video showed him passionately criticizing social media users and influencers, asserting that if the Nigerian government did not regulate social media, it would ultimately undermine the nation.
His remarks sparked outrage among Nigerians online, leading to the emergence of the popular Nigerian pidgin phrase, "na Desmond Elliot cause am," which translates to "It's Desmond Elliot's fault."
A few days later, he issued an apology for his comments.