Kunle Afod, the actor, has rejected claims of sexual exploitation in Nollywood. In a recent interview on Nollywood on Radio, the filmmaker challenged accusers to publicly name offenders.
Afod compared the situation to other professions, arguing that romantic advances occur everywhere.
“One thing I tell people, bring out those that said they raped them in the industry,” he said.
We are adults. There is consent. If you attend school, they will likely ask you out. If you are a nurse, doctors might ask you out. Patients might ask you out. If you like, you agree.
“We have bankers who are looking for targets. If the man you’re going to meet asks you out and you like him, you agree. And you meet your target. It’s the same thing. It’s not their problem.
If I am a coach, I have 21 players. And I am going to use 11. Probably, I might have 14 good players. If you want to get your way, you will use what you have to get your way.
That is what the girls always say. Use what you have to get what you want. Not all the girls.
The 51-year-old actor insisted talent ultimately determines success in Nollywood.
But see, let me tell you the truth. Your talent will always be ahead in everything. If you are not good and you sell your body, you are just wasting your time, he said.
Because they will not use you. But if you are good and you insist that you are not going to lay on anybody’s bed. That talent will still put you on that spot.
Afod also suggested actresses take control of their careers by producing their own content as an alternative solution.
Let everybody have their own money and produce their own movies. It is as simple as that. Everybody can produce. That’s Nigerian style. Everybody can produce movies. Everybody can. You can, he added.
This isn’t the first time a Nollywood star has addressed the sensitive topic.
In March, ace actor Jide Kosoko argued that no individual can be coerced into engaging in sexual activities in exchange for roles.
