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Veteran entertainer Charly Boy has dismissed decades-old rumours about his sexuality, insisting his bold style is a form of artistic expression and not a reflection of his sexual orientation.
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The 74-year-old activist says embracing feminine traits does not make him less of a man but allows him to experience the full spectrum of human emotions and qualities.
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Charly Boy says he has no interest in seeking public validation and remains unfazed by criticism over his unconventional lifestyle.
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He also maintained that if he were gay, he would openly admit it and publicly campaign for LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria.
August 6, (THEWILL) — Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has once again responded to long-running speculation about his sexuality.
In a recent Instagram post, the 74-year-old entertainer made it clear that he remains unbothered by the labels and speculation that have followed him for decades.
Charly Boy criticized what he described as the narrow-mindedness of many Nigerians, saying people are too quick to judge others based on appearance and are unwilling to accept different forms of self-expression.
“For years, many have questioned my sexuality, some have openly called me gay. Anything una like make una talk, because I know for many Nigerians, they are still living under the rock,” he wrote.
Known for his unconventional fashion, makeup, earrings, piercings and bold public persona, Charly Boy said his appearance is an expression of his personality and should not be mistaken for his sexual orientation.
He argued that embracing feminine qualities does not diminish masculinity.
“Embracing one’s feminine side isn’t about becoming less of a man—it’s about becoming more of a human being. It’s about having access to the full spectrum of human experience: strength and vulnerability, logic and intuition, independence and connection. If u know u know. I no send ur father.”
In previous interviews, Charly Boy had reflected on how his unconventional lifestyle attracted criticism early in his career.
He recalled that wearing earrings decades ago was considered controversial and even drew disapproval from his late father, former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He said he eventually accepted that people would always judge what they do not understand.
Charly Boy also maintained that if he were gay, he would openly identify as such and campaign for LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria.
Over the years, the entertainer has also repeatedly said he loves women, maintaining that his unconventional appearance and artistic expression have often been mistaken for his sexual orientation.
Reactions from social media
Charly Boy’s comments sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning his views on masculinity and self-expression, while others challenged him to be more direct about his sexuality.
One user, @analyst_lucky, wrote, “Embracing one’s feminine side ke???
Another, @RevolutionNIG, said, “If you have embraced your sexuality, you won’t be here talking about embracing feminine side while you are at same time trying to be more of a man. If you are gay say you are gay, nobody will ask further questions.”
@KinSol_tz also weighed in, writing, “You still dey fear. Which one is if you know u know? Ogbeni own am with your full chest.”
Reacting to Charly Boy’s remarks, @vhyynee91963 commented, “How can you embrace a feminine side when your masculine? That’s an anomaly.”
Another user, @Graceofdcreator, wrote, “This man don craze. What does that have to do with dressing like a woman, and doing make up?”
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
