Nigerian influencer Papaya Ex has responded to serious allegations made by the brother of her personal assistant, who accused her of assault and failure to pay his sister’s salary. The controversy erupted after the videographer took to social media to claim his sister, who earns ₦120,000 monthly, had not been paid for three consecutive months. He also alleged that tensions escalated when he visited Papaya Ex to intervene, leading to a physical altercation during which his phone was seized.
The dispute reportedly began in March 2026, following the premiere of actress Iyabo Ojo’s film The Return of Arinzo, where Papaya Ex claimed her iPhone 16 Pro Max was misplaced. The brother alleged that this incident triggered a series of disputes, culminating in his visit to confront the influencer. According to him, the meeting turned hostile, and his phone was taken during the encounter, which he described as an act of assault.
In a video shared with her sister Yomidun, Papaya Ex firmly denied all accusations, calling them “false and misleading.” She insisted that her staff are paid regularly through bank transfers and that she maintains records to prove this. She also questioned the authenticity of the claims, stating that her personal assistants earn more than the ₦120,000 figure being circulated online.
Papaya Ex defended her pay structure, emphasizing that her PAs receive not only monthly salaries but also benefits such as accommodation, food, and transportation. She challenged the credibility of the allegations, suggesting that the assistant and her brother had misrepresented facts about missing items and financial matters. She further stated that any disciplinary actions taken were due to alleged misconduct, not financial neglect.
In her statement, Papaya Ex questioned the logic of the claims, asking why someone earning ₦300,000 monthly would complain about a ₦120,000 salary, especially when housing and other perks are included. She pointed out that payments are made through her account, Munachi, and that all recipients receive transaction alerts. She also questioned how many people can afford to pay a PA ₦300,000 monthly, especially when compared to government worker salaries.
She added that if the assistant was unhappy with her compensation, she should leave, not make false claims. Papaya Ex accused the brother of stealing her iPhone 17 Pro Max, ₦2 million, and ₦200,000 for his own use, calling the seizure of his phone a minor consequence compared to those alleged thefts.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many weighing in on workplace ethics, influencer accountability, and the treatment of staff in the entertainment industry. As the controversy continues, the public awaits further developments, especially regarding the financial records and the outcome of any internal investigations.
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