Lagos—Media personality and talk show host Chinedu Ani, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia, has addressed the controversies regarding his role on the Honest Bunch podcast during a news conference on Thursday.
Nedu clarified that he was not fired from the podcast but chose to step down due to mounting pressure and ongoing controversies. He emphasized the importance of free expression while underscoring that public perception ultimately shapes narratives.
“Rather than engaging in petty fights, I have decided to clear the air by stepping away from the show,” he stated.
Addressing allegations that he had instigated problems on the podcast, Nedu explained his role as a “devil’s advocate.” He noted, “My role on the podcast is to make guests feel comfortable while encouraging thought-provoking discussions. My job was to ask questions that would spark controversies and debates, which I successfully accomplished.”
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The controversy erupted after DeeOne, a comedian, alleged on the podcast that social media critic VeryDarkMan had engaged in intimate relationships with men. In response, VDM accused Nedu of orchestrating the allegations and leaking private communications. He also claimed to have been a victim of sexual exploitation by Nedu, stating that he had confided personal experiences about relationships.
Amid the turmoil, Nedu decided to step down from hosting the Honest Bunch on February 14. Contrary to speculation that he was fired, he reiterated his intention to avoid conflict and focus on maintaining a positive public image.
In a striking declaration, Nedu announced that he would no longer be reachable to the public, expressing frustration over being taken for granted. “To be honest, I’m done being nice. My niceness has been taken for granted, and I’ve been abused by people who claim to be my friends. I need to take care of myself and prioritize my well-being,” he said.
Nedu’s management team condemned the recent accusations against him, highlighting that these claims have crossed a line. “We will not tolerate any further attacks on his character. Lawyers will be taking action to address these false accusations,” they stated.
The unfolding controversy has raised significant questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the dynamics of discussions in the media landscape, leaving many to ponder the future of the Honest Bunch podcast without its prominent host.
