Speed Darlington, the controversial Nigerian singer, has issued a public apology to Burna Boy, asking for all legal actions against him to be dropped and pledging to refrain from making any further comments about the Grammy-winning artist.
Darlington whose real name is Darlington Okoye—was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly cyberstalking Burna Boy.
The incident stemmed from Darlington’s online taunts regarding Burna Boy’s association with embattled US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently imprisoned on charges related to prostitution.
Darlington had questioned how Burna Boy won the Grammy for his album ‘Twice As Tall,’ which was executive-produced by Diddy, and made unsubstantiated claims about a sexual relationship between the two musicians.
After spending two months in prison, Darlington was released in January 2025. Despite his release, tensions continued, with Darlington releasing diss tracks and making further public statements about Burna Boy. In response, Burna Boy (born Damini Ogulu) warned that there would be no leniency if similar incidents occurred again.
Recently, however, Speed Darlington posted a video now widely circulated online in which he expressed regret for his actions. He formally apologized for any pain or embarrassment he may have caused Burna Boy, stating:
This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologize for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you. I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologize, Burna Boy.”
He further vowed to stop making both direct and indirect references to Burna Boy’s sexuality, provided that the legal charges were withdrawn:
I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality, he said. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain.
I give you my word. Let peace reign. I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name.
