A colleague raped me, Actress Lolo 1 alleges

Renowned Nigerian actress and media personality Omotunde Adebowale-David, popularly known as Lolo 1, has revealed that she was once raped by a fellow colleague.

Speaking on her podcast “Say My Piece,” which was shared on YouTube on Friday, Lolo 1 opened up about a harrowing experience involving a male colleague in the broadcasting industry.

She disclosed that the assault has left her deeply traumatized, triggering panic attacks whenever she encounters the individual involved.

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Lolo 1 explained that she has chosen not to name her abuser, fearing backlash for coming forward now—especially since the person has since become a prominent figure in the industry.

She also reflected on the emotional aftermath many women face following sexual assault, noting that denial and self-blame are common responses, underscoring the complexity of healing from such trauma.

She said,

I hardly ever say this, and I am not even ready to tell the full story. The stories of sexual assault. When I discussed it with my daughter yesterday, she held my hand and said, ‘Mummy, you’ve gone through so much.’ And I said I had.

I remember how many of those things I have to relive. I have been raped only once in my life, and I was raped by a colleague. I see him every other day. Do you know how traumatized I am? When I see him, I just get into this momentary panic.

But if a woman of my calibre named him, he’s an established person in the broadcast industry, won’t people say, ‘How come I didn’t speak about it for all these six years until now that he’s taking a prominent TV position?

When sexual assault happens to women, the first thing to happen is denial. The next thing is self-blaming.

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