LAGOS, Nigeria (AP), Nigerian actress Victoria Inyama has ignited fierce debate after claiming that female circumcision helped her manage sexual urges, a remark that has drawn sharp criticism and divided opinion online.
Inyama, known for her outspoken views, reflected on her personal experience with the practice, saying it shaped aspects of her adult life. Her comments touched on one of the most sensitive issues in global health and human rights: female genital mutilation (FGM), which international organizations condemn as harmful and a violation of women’s rights.
Social media erupted following her remarks. Critics accused her of normalizing a practice that has caused lasting trauma for millions of women worldwide. “This is dangerous and irresponsible,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Others argued that her comments could be used to justify continued FGM in communities where activists are fighting to end it.
Supporters, however, praised her candor, saying she was brave to share her personal truth despite the backlash. “She’s telling her story, and it’s her reality,” another user posted, adding that her perspective should not be dismissed outright.
Health experts warn that FGM can lead to severe medical complications, including infections, childbirth difficulties, and long-term psychological harm. The United Nations has campaigned for decades to eliminate the practice, stressing that cultural traditions cannot justify violations of human rights.
Inyama’s remarks have now become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about women’s rights, cultural practices, and the tension between personal testimony and global health standards.
