Controversial Nigerian street-pop artist, Portable, has publicly apologized after being seen in a viral video slapping a pastor who had come to preach at his bar.

The incident sparked outrage online, with many netizens and religious figures criticizing the singer’s actions and calling for accountability.

In a video posted early Monday morning, Portable addressed the situation and expressed remorse, attributing his reaction to previous traumatic experiences.

He explained that he initially believed the pastor was there with malicious intent, possibly to harm him spiritually, which led him to react in such a manner.

Reflecting on the incident, the artist acknowledged his mistake, stating that had he known the preacher was genuine, he never would have acted so aggressively.

Portable, who has had a history of controversies, admitted that his past experiences have shaped his outlook, especially incidents that involved his sister being harmed through similar deceptive tactics.

While appealing for forgiveness from both God and the public, he stressed that he is also a person of faith, even though he is not without flaws.

“I’m human, and like everyone else, I’m not perfect,” he said in the video, adding that his upbringing as an orphan has made him particularly sensitive to certain situations.

He called for understanding from his fans and community, reiterating that he didn’t intend to disrespect the church or the pastor, and emphasized that street life often comes with complex challenges.