Nigerian singer Tems has spoken out about the viral incident involving her dress at the 2023 Oscars, refuting claims that she obstructed anyone’s view during the ceremony.

In an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Tems provided insight into her eye-catching fashion choice, a flowing white dress, and the subsequent controversy.

Reflecting on her debut at the Academy Awards, Tems described her reaction to the dress, saying, “This dress, the famous dress… It was a huge deal, and it was my first Oscars. When I first saw this dress, I thought, ‘This is quite much, this is quite a lot for me. It looks like a cloud or a flowing stream.’ I felt like a princess in the dress, and people were taking pictures of me even if they didn’t know me. Even prestigious old white men took pictures with me, thinking I looked cute.”

The dress became a viral sensation as some believed it obstructed the view of other attendees with its large hood.

Tems clarified the situation, explaining that a lack of time prevented her from changing into her second outfit.

Concluding her account, Tems noted, “When I meet anyone in fashion, they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, you’re the girl, you’re the one who caused all that trouble that day.”