Nigerian social media personality and influencer Papaya Ex has issued a public apology following intense criticism over her controversial attire at Priscilla Ojo’s wedding. The socialite sparked outrage when she attended the ceremony wearing a dress that featured an image of the groom, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, prominently displayed on her breast area.
The unusual fashion choice immediately drew backlash across social media platforms, with many viewers considering it disrespectful to both the bride and groom on their special day. The controversy escalated when footage emerged showing established Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham attempting to remove the picture from Papaya’s dress during the event.
In a video that has since gone viral, Abraham can be seen reaching toward Papaya’s outfit in apparent disapproval. According to witnesses, Iyabo Ojo—mother of the bride—intervened during the confrontation, restraining Abraham and cautioning that removing the image might damage the dress.
“Y’all I meant no harm, it was pure love”
– Papaya Ex reacts to backlash for putting Priscilla Ojo’s husband Juma Jux’s picture on her outfit pic.twitter.com/NKo26ginVD
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) April 19, 2025
Responding to the wave of criticism, Papaya Ex took to Instagram to address the situation directly. She shared the footage of her interaction with the two actresses and accompanied it with an apology statement. I meant no harm, it was pure love,” Papaya wrote, insisting that her intention was not to cause offense or disrupt the celebration.
The incident has ignited passionate discussions about appropriate wedding guest etiquette, particularly within Nigerian celebrity circles where social events often become opportunities for attention-grabbing fashion statements. Many critics viewed Papaya’s choice as an attempt to divert attention from the newlyweds during what should have been their moment in the spotlight.
Twitter users were particularly vocal in their condemnation, with hundreds of comments expressing disapproval of what many deemed an inappropriate display. The criticism centered not only on the placement of the image but also on the principle of featuring the groom’s likeness on a guest’s attire at all—a move considered by many to cross boundaries of respect.
The wedding between Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux had already garnered significant media attention as a union between prominent entertainment families from different African countries. Priscilla, daughter of beloved Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, and Juma Jux, a recognized figure in Tanzania’s music industry, had their celebration closely followed by fans from both nations.
This isn’t the first time Papaya Ex has found herself at the center of controversy. The social media influencer has built a reputation for provocative content and attention-grabbing public appearances that often generate discussion online. However, this incident appears to have struck a particular nerve, engaging not only social media commentators but also respected figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Toyin Abraham’s visible disapproval carries significant weight in the industry. As an established actress with a reputation for professionalism, her reaction to Papaya’s attire signaled that the boundary crossing was serious enough to warrant intervention during the celebration itself.
Cultural analysts suggest that the incident highlights evolving tensions between traditional values around marriage ceremonies and the more provocative self-expression common in contemporary influencer culture. In Nigerian wedding traditions, respect for the couple—particularly on their wedding day—remains paramount, and actions perceived as drawing attention away from them are generally frowned upon.
The apology video has received mixed reactions, with some accepting Papaya’s explanation of “pure love” while others remain skeptical about her true intentions. Some commenters have questioned whether wearing a groom’s image in such a manner could ever be construed as appropriate, regardless of the sentiment behind it.
There are countless ways to show love and support for a couple on their wedding day,” wrote one social media commentator. “Wearing the groom’s face on your clothing isn’t one of them.”
Others have defended Papaya, suggesting that her unorthodox expression of celebration, while misguided, wasn’t malicious. These supporters point to her quick public apology as evidence of genuine remorse rather than a publicity stunt.
The incident also raises questions about the increasing pressure on guests, particularly those with public profiles, to make memorable appearances at high-profile weddings. As social media continues to transform how celebrations are documented and shared, the line between celebration and self-promotion has sometimes blurred.
For Priscilla and Juma Jux, the controversy became an unexpected footnote to their wedding celebration. Neither the bride nor groom has publicly commented on the situation, maintaining focus on their union rather than the peripheral drama.
Wedding planners and etiquette experts who have weighed in on the controversy generally agree that guests should avoid choices that might detract from the couple’s special day. “The golden rule of wedding attendance is that the spotlight belongs to the couple getting married,” noted one etiquette consultant. “Anything that deliberately draws attention elsewhere violates that principle.”
As the conversation continues online, Papaya Ex’s apology represents an acknowledgment of the social boundaries she crossed, intentionally or not. Whether this incident will impact her approach to future public appearances remains to be seen.
For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate social dynamics at play during ceremonial events and the ways in which social media has amplified both the visibility of social faux pas and the scale of public response to them.
The incident ultimately highlights the ongoing negotiation between individual expression and communal respect within celebratory contexts—a tension that continues to evolve as social media reshapes the ways in which public figures engage with traditional ceremonies.
