Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has taken to Instagram to address the backlash she received over her comments about actor Yul Edochie and polygamy during a recent podcast.

In a heartfelt statement posted on her Instagram account on June 12, 2024, Jegede clarified her intentions and expressed regret for any misunderstanding caused by her words during her appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast.

She began, “I, Yvonne Jegede, would like to address the concerns and backlash that have arisen from my recent interview on The Honest Bunch Podcast where I discussed themes related to my latest film on Amazon Prime, A Father’s Love.”

Jegede expressed deep regret that her comments had been perceived as dismissive of Yul Edochie’s estranged wife, May Yul-Edochie. She emphasized that it was never her intention to cause any pain or disrespect and offered a sincere apology for any offense caused.

She wrote, “Upon reflecting on the interview, I realized that my words were not articulated in a way that conveyed my true intentions and have been misconstrued as insensitive, particularly towards Mrs. May Edochie, a woman who has endured significant pain and hardship occasioned by her estranged marriage. I deeply regret that my comments were perceived as adding to her distress. It was never my intention to cause any pain or disrespect. I am truly sorry.”

The actress went on to stress that the essence of her interview was to shed light on her new movie, adding that her statement was to highlight the cultural aspects of polygamy in our society.

“I want to clarify that my remarks about polygamy were meant to reflect its cultural context and to emphasize that how it is practiced is crucial. My goal was to convey that polygamy is part of our culture, but what matters is how it is approached. Unfortunately, my message was lost in my articulation,” she added.

Recall that during the podcast, Jegede stated that she saw no problem with Yul Edochie taking a second wife because most people come from polygamous homes themselves.

She had said, “You see this same Yul Edochie ehn, 99% of people that are abusing him on the internet are from second wives, third wives, fourth wives, and even fifth wives. Sometimes some of them come from wives the family does not even know about. Let’s all stop being silly on the internet.”

“Why are we cursing the guy? They would curse him and leave Ned Nwoko alone and say Regina Daniels is your prayer point and she’s the only one that can advise you about marriage. These are the comments I see,” she added.

Yvonne Jegede’s apology has sparked various reactions online, with many appreciating her for taking responsibility and clarifying her stance. As the conversation continues, it remains essential to approach such sensitive topics with empathy and understanding, recognizing the diverse cultural contexts and personal experiences involved.