Actor Jim Iyke has said there was nothing sexual about his birthday message to colleague Kate Henshaw which recently stirred controversy online.
Jim caused a buzz on social media after sharing an emotional tribute to Kate on her birthday. In the post, he openly expressed his love and admiration for the actress, saying, “You knew all that time I wanted to hit that,” which many interpreted as sexually suggestive.
The message drew mixed reactions, with some including actor Gideon Okeke criticising him for being too revealing. But in an interview with Ghana’s 3FM, Jim clarified the intention behind his post.
“I meant everything I said in that post. I rarely say something I don’t mean,” he began.
“I have known this person for over two decades. We have grown as friends and as brother and sister.”
Jim explained that Kate is one of the few people who allows him to be himself. “She’s the only person that lets me be me. That’s my boy. That’s my guy. I trust her. She gives me the best advice. We have travelled together. We have done everything together. There’s nothing absolutely sexual about it. It doesn’t even suggest someone I’m dating.”
He said the phrase “wanted to hit that” was just “wordplay” and part of their long-standing relationship. “It’s just a wordplay. People that know me, know I’m full of wordplay.”
Jim added that he was speaking from a place of honesty and did not owe anyone an explanation. “I don’t think I owe anyone any apology or explanation. I was speaking my truth. You may not like it, but it is what it is.”
Veteran actor Patrick Doyle also weighed in on the matter, describing Jim’s message as warm and witty, not offensive.
