British boxer Ryan Taylor has stirred controversy across Nigerian social media after firing back at critics who slammed him for making a disparaging comment about his ex-fiancée, Nigerian disc jockey Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy. Taylor, known for his outspoken personality and on-and-off presence in pop culture, declared he would not be silenced over his remarks and accused Nigerians of targeting both him and the mother of his child.
The drama began on Sunday, June 15, as the world marked Father’s Day. Taylor took to his Instagram page to share a heartfelt photo of himself with his daughter, celebrating fatherhood and expressing his desire to end racism by having mixed-race children. However, a fan comment linking the child’s appearance to his former partner, DJ Cuppy, triggered a tense exchange.
In response, Taylor dismissed the comparison and took a swipe at the Nigerian heiress, saying,
“She wasn’t enough of a woman to even fathom creating such a beautiful creation like mine. Please leave me and don’t come back.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread backlash from Nigerian social media users, many of whom labeled Taylor’s comment as disrespectful, misogynistic, and unnecessary. DJ Cuppy, though not directly responding, has long been a media darling, known for her philanthropy, vibrant music career, and high-profile educational journey through institutions like Oxford University.
But Taylor, who was once publicly engaged to the billionaire daughter of Femi Otedola, seemed unfazed by the storm his post created. He doubled down in a follow-up statement on Instagram, calling out Nigerians for what he termed unfair attacks on his current partner and family.
“Today is a special day. Nigerians gotta chill out, you come for the mother of my child and think I won’t back it? Don’t come on my page talking shit and cry when I speak. I NEVER signed the contract. I will always say what I want and do what is right for me or my family,” he posted.
Ryan Taylor and DJ Cuppy ended their whirlwind romance in 2023, just months after getting engaged. While neither party gave a full account of what led to the split, fans speculated irreconcilable differences. Since then, the two have mostly stayed away from discussing each other publicly—until now.
Taylor’s latest statement appears to rekindle tensions and puts a spotlight back on their past relationship. While DJ Cuppy has previously hinted at personal growth, heartbreak, and spiritual reawakening following their breakup, Taylor’s comments come off as unprovoked and have sparked conversations around male entitlement and public shaming.
Many Nigerians online have come to Cuppy’s defense, urging Taylor to keep her name out of his personal affairs. Some fans noted the irony of Taylor’s plea for privacy while actively throwing shade at a former partner.
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Ryan Taylor needs to grow up. Why mention DJ Cuppy on a day meant to celebrate fatherhood? That’s messy and disrespectful.”
Another posted:
“You didn’t sign a contract to stay silent, but maybe sign one to stop embarrassing yourself.”
Others have also questioned why Taylor, a British athlete, would continue to seek relevance by referencing a Nigerian celebrity, suggesting his comments were calculated for media attention.
The unfolding saga highlights the challenges celebrities face in maintaining privacy, emotional restraint, and dignity in an age where social media outrage is immediate and unforgiving. While Ryan Taylor has a right to express himself, the court of public opinion continues to draw the line when it comes to unnecessary dragging of public figures—especially women.
DJ Cuppy, at the time of this publication, has not responded to Taylor’s remarks, choosing silence over scandal. But whether she speaks or not, her supporters remain firm in defending her public image.
For now, Ryan Taylor stands by his words, but the backlash underscores a broader lesson: freedom of speech on social media does not protect one from consequences—especially when it comes to matters of the heart and dignity.
