“Never disrespect my daughter again…” — Camille Makosso puts Axel Merryl in his place
Ivorian pastor Camille Makosso has addressed Beninese comedian and singer Axel Merryl following a recent comment made about his daughter, Kimi Makosso. In a short video posted on TikTok, the pastor responded firmly, accusing Merryl of attempting to exploit his daughter for media clout.
Camille Makosso, his daugter Kim and Axel Merryl
For several days now, a controversy has been brewing online between two major public figures from Francophone Africa: Reverend Pastor Camille Makosso and comedian-musician Axel Merryl.
The dispute stems from a statement Axel Merryl made during his appearance on the Ivorian TV show PeoplEmik, broadcast on La 3. When asked about his relationship with Kimi Makosso, the eldest daughter of Camille Makosso, Merryl quipped, “Most people are just trying to benefit from my image.” The comment was widely perceived as dismissive and provocative.
Camille Makosso lashes out
Known for his fiery rhetoric and direct approach, Camille Makosso quickly responded in a TikTok video. “My daughter is not a prop for publicity!” he declared, clearly outraged.
According to Makosso, it was Kimi’s own visibility and charisma that attracted Axel Merryl in the first place. “I don’t believe it was the other way around — we all saw how things unfolded. That collaboration gave you your highest viewership with the Kimi music video. And the people who boosted that clip were from Côte d’Ivoire. There are some things Ivorians don’t tolerate,” he asserted.
Without directly quoting Merryl’s remarks, Makosso denounced what he saw as an exploitation of his daughter’s image — someone he says he’s determined to shield from public drama and trivial controversies.
“This is advice: don’t make this mistake again. Kim cannot benefit from your spotlight, because you are not Jesus Christ. (…) I’ve always respected you because I recognize your talent. But never disrespect my daughter like that again. She’s focused on her business and her work. She’s not a club-hopper or a showgirl,” Makosso warned.