Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has opened up about the most surprising rumor he’s ever heard about himself — that he’s gay.

Speaking during a candid conversation with Nigerian chef Ify, Uzor said the speculation came as a shock, but he also found it amusing. Though he clarified that he isn’t gay, the actor expressed admiration and affection for his LGBTQ+ friends, making it clear he holds no prejudice.

“That I was gay — that one shocked me to my bones,” he said. “But I was also a little excited, because they say when people start spreading such rumors, it means you’ve blown.”

Uzor went on to emphasize that if he were gay, he would have absolutely no shame in embracing his identity.

“If being gay was my sexuality, I’d own it — and I’d be the hottest one around. I’d wear it with my full chest,” he declared with a laugh.

When asked how he knows his friends are gay, Uzor replied matter-of-factly: “I just know. They’re my guys. While I’m trying to move up to a girl, they’re doing their own thing. They’re both male and female, and I love them to death. I have nothing against them at all.”

Uzor concluded by reinforcing his stance: “I won’t agree to something I’m not. For me, let God be the judge.”

He also added that the most surprising part of the rumor wasn’t the claim itself — but the person he was allegedly linked to. “Who they said was my boyfriend? That one really shocked me,” he said, laughing.