The Digest:
Reality TV star Neo Akpofure has denied a rape allegation made against him on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named @notralia, with his legal team threatening a lawsuit if the claim is not retracted. The accusation of sexual assault during their time as students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Through law firm E.L. Akpofure, SAN & Co., Neo's representatives issued a formal demand letter rejecting the accusation as "false and defamatory," claiming it inflicted "serious reputational and emotional damage" by portraying him as a "criminal and a sexual offender." The letter demands deletion of the post, a public apology and retraction, and a written undertaking to cease further defamatory statements, giving the accuser 48 hours to comply or face legal proceedings. The accuser has not publicly responded.
Key Points:
- The legal threat highlights the serious consequences of unverified rape accusations on social media.
- It raises questions about due process for both accusers and accused in public allegations.
- Neo seeks to clear his name, while the accuser faces potential legal action if the claims are false.
- This signals the tension between protecting accusers and defending against defamation.
- The timing, amid multiple rape allegations in Nigeria, adds sensitivity to the case.
Neo's 48-hour ultimatum threatens legal action unless the rape allegation is retracted, with the accuser yet to respond to the defamation claim.
Sources: Social Media, E.L. Akpofure, SAN & Co.
