How I survived the trauma of my leaked sex tape – Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage, the award-winning songstress, has revealed how she survived the backlash that ensued when her private sex tape was leaked in 2021.

The criticism started after an intimate video featuring Savage and man surfaced online, drawing mixed reactions from fans, critics, and fellow celebrities. While some offered her support, others harshly criticized her.

During a recent interview on Zeze Millz show, Savage described the incident as the lowest point in her career.

The singer said she had also just lost her father around the same time, making the ordeal even more devastating.

The 45-year-old ‘Stamina’ hitmaker said despite the emotional turmoil, she refused to step away from music. She said instead, she threw herself into her work, using it as a coping mechanism.

“I have had so many great moments. I do not know if I have (one as my peak moment). My peak is yet to come,” she said.

“My lowest point — It was a space of a month or two months that year when my dad died and my sex tape was released. That was low.

“It was really low. Thinking about it now, it is crazy. The backlash was really horrible. It was my fault. It was really tough.

“I did not take time out. I just kept working. It was back to back. The only way I could have survived is not think about it. And just keep going and keep working.

“Whenever you are going through a storm, it is still very hard. But now, I always remind myself that if I could get through that period, this storm will go eventually.”

The ‘Koroba’ singer also shared how she now prioritizes self-care. She said she intentionally disconnects from work, spends time with close friends outside the entertainment industry, and takes vacations to recharge.

“And I have also learnt how to take time out. Sometimes my team will tell me they have been trying to reach me. I switch off my phone, watch movies with friends,” she said.

“There are always going to be competition. There are always going to be other artistes, female artistes.

“I have been through so much that I take time out to intentionally travel and hangout with my friends not in the industry.”