Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has set social media ablaze with a bold, emotional, and unapologetically raw birthday message to fellow screen icon Kate Henshaw, describing their complicated past and deep affection in a way only he could.
In a message that reads like a passionate open letter, Jim Iyke didn’t hold back as he poured out years of buried emotions, admiration, regret, and love for Kate, calling her a “force of nature” and referring to their unique connection as “the barometer.”
The post, which began with a repeated and shocking “F*** YOU KATE,” was laced with unfiltered honesty and laced with nostalgic memories of their youthful days in Nollywood. Jim accused Kate of treating him like a baby brother when he desired more, acknowledging the care she showed him during his early struggles — from helping him with auditions to ensuring he had money for meals.
“You kept manipulating my black ass by always looking out for me… Every time I stared in those dancing, beautiful eyes of yours, you knew I had imaginations that were far from friendly,” Jim wrote.
He also reflected on the time they finally got involved romantically, saying it happened when he was “wild, restless, and overwhelmed with fame.” He expressed regret over how his actions may have pushed her away, especially when she later married someone else — producing a daughter he proudly acknowledged.
In a humorous yet biting tone, he criticized the beauty pressures Kate’s ageless and radiant appearance has allegedly imposed on younger women, calling her body and grace “unmanufacturable” and something “nature, commitment and sacrifice” created.
Despite the intensity and language of the message, Jim ended on a deeply affectionate note:
“This f** you is just because we’re Nigerians. We insult those we love! Time, matter, space and energy got nothing on our journey… Happy Birthday, my dearest KO!”*
I don’t see any form of disrespect in the message. Jim is still living in the past, still deeply in love with Kate obviously. If it is possible he would draw back the hands of time and fight deeply for what he loves. Every woman has a love language at every stage of her life. Maybe he didn’t play the card or language she understands at the time. His message says it all.