LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Media personality Morayo Afolabi-Brown has revealed that she was verbally attacked and cursed by a caller over the questions she asks guests, insisting that challenging interviews are a core part of her job.
The presenter of The Morayo Show disclosed that she was shocked that someone would go to such lengths simply because of the questions she asks during conversations on her programme.
According to Brown, the caller used offensive language throughout the conversation, leaving her wondering why she had become the target of such anger.
“I got a call from somebody who rained curses on me. She said, she said, she said, and so many other unprintable words,” the presenter said.
The veteran broadcaster explained that while she has dealt with criticism on social media for years, receiving direct abuse over the phone felt very different.
“I’ve been dragged on social media for many years for different reasons. So I don’t read those messages because it’s not my kind of thing. But for somebody to have the privilege of having my phone number and calling me and raining curses on me… what’s my sin? The kind of questions I ask guests or the names I call during my interviews?” Brown asked.
READ ALSO: BNXN Compares Afrobeats Wealth To NBA Stars, Says Gap Is Huge
Brown’s comments come amid recent backlash over some of the questions she posed to guests, including one relating to a person’s experience at a funeral.
Responding to the criticism, she defended her interviewing style by pointing to her years of experience in the media industry.
“I’ve been in the media for 21 years. I’ve been on television for 12 years, every single day, Monday to Friday, hosting a TV show. There are only a handful of Nigerians who have that experience. If there’s anybody in this country that has the right to ask anybody any kind of question, it is I. I’ve earned it,” she stated.
To illustrate her point, Brown said her approach would remain the same regardless of the guest’s status.
“If Donald Trump comes here tomorrow, I will ask him whatever the heck I want to ask him,” she added.
READ ALSO: Toyin Abraham Addresses Funke Akindele Snub, Says She Has Moved On
The broadcaster also dismissed suggestions that her interviews are designed to embarrass people.
She explained that she works with guests to ensure they are comfortable, with some requesting questions in advance while others simply identify topics they would rather avoid.
“I respect my guests. Some of them, I give them the questions, tell me what they want to answer. Others, I give them a scope. The people that I know I flow with, we flow. I don’t need to ask them any questions. I just say, ‘Don’t go to this area, don’t go to that area,’ and it’s fine,” the broadcaster explained.
Reaffirming the purpose of her programme, Brown said it is built on meaningful conversations rather than public attacks.
She ended by expressing disappointment over the phone call, insisting that asking questions is the foundation of journalism and something she will not apologize for.
“My show is not for criticizing and bashing people. My show is a show where we give love and joy. It’s quite disheartening for somebody to call me and rain curses at me because I asked a question. It’s my job, for heaven’s sake, to ask questions. That’s my job,” she concluded.
