Nigerian UFC star Kamaru Usman has issued a public apology after a private FaceTime conversation with British boxing champion Anthony Joshua was shared online, drawing criticism on social media.
The call followed a tragic road accident in Nigeria last week involving Joshua, whose Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck near Lagos. The crash claimed the lives of two of his close friends and long-time team members, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Joshua was hospitalised after the incident but has since been discharged and returned to the United Kingdom.
Ghami and Ayodele were laid to rest on Sunday after an emotional Janaza prayer held at a mosque in London.
In the FaceTime conversation, Usman asked Joshua about the seating arrangement in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Joshua explained that one of the victims was seated in front while the other was behind him, adding that the reality of their deaths had not fully sunk in. Usman expressed sympathy, telling Joshua that the incident had deeply affected people around the world.
Joshua reflected on the fragility of life, while Usman noted that the tragedy revealed how many people genuinely care about him beyond public criticism and scrutiny.
However, after a short clip of the conversation surfaced online, Usman faced backlash for allowing such a private and emotional exchange to become public.
Responding to the criticism on Thursday, the former UFC welterweight champion accepted full responsibility and apologised via his Instagram story.
“After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking,” Usman said. “Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded.”
He added that he later realised what had happened and acknowledged his failure to properly review the released footage.
“I take full responsibility for not properly reviewing the video that was released and for failing to keep my private conversation with my brother AJ private. Big L on me,” he wrote.
Usman concluded by stressing that he would never deliberately expose a friend during such a painful moment.
“That’s not something I would ever do to a friend or brother.”
The apology has received mixed reactions, with many fans commending Usman for taking responsibility while continuing to express support for Joshua as he mourns the loss of two important figures in his life and career.
