Kamaru Usman has taken responsibility and apologised after a private FaceTime conversation with Anthony Joshua was made public without consent, triggering outrage across social media.
The former UFC welterweight champion shared a YouTube video on Wednesday that unintentionally included the emotional call, recorded in the aftermath of a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends.
The conversation happened on December 30, just a day after the crash and while the former heavyweight boxing champion was still receiving medical care. The accident occurred on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and led to the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both members of Joshua’s inner circle.
Joshua survived the incident after being pulled from the wrecked black Lexus and rushed to Duchess International Hospital. In the leaked footage, he is seen lying in a hospital bed with bandages on his head and torso, opening up to Usman about the tragedy and admitting the reality of the loss had not fully set in.
During the exchange, Usman asked about where the victims were seated at the time of the crash.
“One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet.”
Responding, Usman said, “I’m sorry for that, man. You scared the world, I’ll tell you that right now.”
Joshua added, “Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time.”
“I know. It’s a funny way how things move, you know? We thank God,” Usman replied.
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Usman also spoke about the attention the incident drew, saying, “You scared the world. It’s crazy because, obviously, we deal with the haters and all the bull**** every time, and it sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you.”
The release of the clip drew sharp criticism online, with many questioning why such a deeply personal moment was shared publicly. Reacting to the backlash via his Instagram story, Usman admitted the mistake and offered an apology.
“After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded.
“I realised afterwards and asked about it. 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. SMH. Big L on me. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend or brother.”