“It’s the Narcissistic Effrontery for Me” – Gideon Okeke Blasts Jim Iyke Over Wild Birthday Message to Kate Henshaw

The Nigerian entertainment scene erupted in controversy this week following a fiery post made by actor Gideon Okeke, who didn’t mince words as he dragged fellow actor Jim Iyke over a birthday message he penned to their mutual colleague and respected actress, Kate Henshaw. What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute turned into an explosive topic on social media, drawing sharp criticism and reigniting conversations about respect, boundaries, and public decorum in Nollywood.

Jim Iyke, known for his raw charisma and sometimes unfiltered persona, raised eyebrows with a birthday message to Kate Henshaw that many deemed inappropriate, especially considering the public and professional context. The message, which included the line, "Fck you Kate, every time I stared in that dancing, beautiful eyes of yours, you knew I had imaginations that were far from friendly,"* immediately sparked discomfort online. It wasn’t long before screenshotted versions of the post began circulating, with netizens reacting with everything from confusion to outright rage.

While fans were still trying to process what had just been shared, Gideon Okeke stepped in with a thunderous response that echoed the sentiment of many who were left cringing by the crass nature of Iyke’s words. In a post shared on his Instagram stories and later reposted on his profile, Okeke unleashed a barrage of strong words at Jim Iyke, stating, "Somebody take a look at this Motherfukka over here. It's the narcissistic effrontery for Me. Such a bone head."

He didn’t stop there. Venting further, Gideon added, "I wonder who puts these people in check. It's this kinda ruish behaviour that people condone, that gives other people the balls to be the actual priks that they are...in real life. Small Boy. Talk anyhow in public. Tueh.." The post quickly gained traction, attracting hundreds of comments in support of Gideon's stance and reigniting debates about celebrity culture and accountability in the industry.

The controversy has left fans sharply divided. Some have defended Jim Iyke’s message as a poor attempt at being humorous or poetic in a “Jim Iyke way,” while others, especially longtime followers of Kate Henshaw, were appalled that such language would be directed at a woman widely respected for her professionalism, grace, and seniority in the industry. Many pointed out that even if there were some underlying familiarity or jest between the actors, the choice of words in a public post was unbecoming and far too suggestive for comfort.

Jim Iyke, who has often played intense, bad-boy characters in movies, has long had a reputation for being brash and unapologetically blunt in real life. But for critics like Okeke, there's a growing concern that his public persona has blurred the lines of basic respect. Okeke's clapback comes from a place of not just indignation, but also alarm — a worry that such actions are slowly becoming normalized and even celebrated in a space that should uphold decorum, particularly when dealing with industry legends like Kate Henshaw.

Kate herself has not publicly responded to either message at the time of this writing. Known for her calm demeanor and diplomatic approach to controversies, many fans are watching closely to see if she will weigh in or choose silence as her form of response. However, even her silence has been interpreted by some as a testament to the dignity she upholds.

Reactions across social media have been intense. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are awash with takes from fans, bloggers, and fellow entertainers. One Twitter user wrote, “How do you think it’s okay to post ‘Fck you’ to a woman like Kate Henshaw, even as a joke? We need to start calling things out!”* Another user countered, “Jim Iyke has always had a wild personality. Y’all are only surprised because this time he aimed it at someone you respect.”

Some fans also began questioning if there’s a deeper backstory between the trio — suggesting that the post might be an inside joke gone terribly wrong or the result of longstanding tensions boiling to the surface. Regardless of the context, the fact remains that the court of public opinion has ruled largely in favor of Okeke’s bold takedown.

Gideon Okeke, known for his measured and sometimes philosophical takes on societal issues, took a no-holds-barred approach this time. His outrage appeared less about personal beef and more about a principled stand — a stance that many believe is lacking in the tight-knit Nollywood scene where many hesitate to call out their colleagues for fear of backlash or professional exile.

The situation also exposes a growing shift in Nollywood, where younger voices and professionals are no longer keeping quiet about what they perceive as toxic behavior. As the industry becomes more visible and global, the demand for professional conduct, mutual respect, and accountability continues to rise. Okeke’s public rebuke may just be a reflection of that ongoing transformation.

In the wake of the viral posts, some observers have urged Jim Iyke to issue a public apology or clarify the tone and intent of his message. So far, he has remained silent — whether strategically or out of defiance remains to be seen. However, silence, in this case, may not serve him well, as fans and critics alike await some form of acknowledgment, if not remorse.

Meanwhile, Kate Henshaw remains the calm in the eye of the storm — a seasoned professional whose name commands respect. Whether she chooses to publicly address the storm or not, this moment serves as yet another reminder of the tightrope public figures walk when balancing friendship, humor, and respect in the age of screenshots and instant outrage.

With Gideon Okeke's scorching words ringing loud, it’s clear that the industry is watching, and so is the audience. The days when celebrities could say anything without consequence may be fading fast, and Nollywood, like every other public-facing industry, is undergoing a culture shift. And if this saga has proven anything, it’s that not everyone is willing to stay silent when lines are crossed — especially not Gideon Okeke.