Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Announces Birth of Twins, Speaks on Cancel Culture and Privacy
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that she recently welcomed twins with her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege. The 47-year-old writer shared the joyful news in an interview with The Guardian, where she also discussed her latest book, Dream Count, cancel culture, and her approach to privacy.
Adichie, known for her critically acclaimed works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, disclosed that she had kept the birth of her twins private for months to protect them. She explained that while she is comfortable acknowledging their existence, she does not want media attention focused on them.
“You’ve met my babies. I want to protect my children. I’m OK with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them,” she told journalist Charlotte Edwardes.
The celebrated author also shared insights into why she rarely discusses her personal life, pointing out that Nigerians tend to be inquisitive. She revealed that many people were unaware of her 2009 marriage to Dr. Esege, a Nigerian medical doctor based in the United States, and that she deliberately avoids discussing her family to maintain her privacy.
Reflecting on Cancel Culture
During the interview, Adichie revisited the controversy that erupted in 2017 when she made comments about transgender women. At the time, she was asked if a trans woman was “any less of a real woman,” to which she responded, “A trans woman is a trans woman.” Her remarks sparked intense backlash, and she faced severe criticism from activists and the literary community.
Now, years later, she has firmly condemned cancel culture, asserting that it should be brought to an end.
“What do I want to say about cancel culture? Cancel culture is bad. We should stop it. End of story,” she said, making her stance clear.
A Life of Literary Success and Family
Adichie and her husband, Dr. Esege, have been married for 15 years. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2016, and now their family has grown with the birth of their twins.
Despite her global literary fame, the award-winning author remains protective of her personal life, choosing to keep her family matters private. With her latest book, Dream Count, and her unfiltered views on contemporary issues, Chimamanda continues to make waves in the literary and cultural landscape.
