“I've never faced sexual harassment for a role,” Jaiye Kuti advises aspiring Nollywood actresses

• Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti shared her personal experience, revealing she's never been sexually harassed for a movie role
• Kuti emphasised the presence of responsible producers and directors, encouraging aspiring actresses to focus on their talent and brains
• Her comments have ignited a conversation on social media, with many sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter

Nollywood actress Jaiyeola Kuti has sparked a heated debate on social media after sharing her thoughts on the notion that actresses must provide sexual favours in exchange for movie roles. 

In a post on her Instagram page (@Jayeola_monje) on Thursday, February 20, Kuti debunked rumours of producers and marketers sexualising opportunities to get roles.

"I know a lot of youth are scared of coming into the acting industry because you have been told things that are not so much what it is," Kuti began. 

"I don't know about the old times, but from the time I came into the industry, I have never been sexually harassed to get a role, and that is the truth. If you know anyone, can you bring them forward?"

Kuti emphasised that while there may be some "bad eggs" in the industry, there are also many responsible and professional producers and directors. "If you want to come into the industry, we have quite some responsible females in the industry. 

“But they won't let you know because the untruthful ones keep passing around the negativity that all producers and directors must sleep with you before you get a role or play a lead role. It is a lie..

“When you have your brain, you can get anywhere. When I came into the industry, I didn't know they would need me as fast as they did, my first job was 'Laugh Pattern' with Tajudeen Adepetu. That was where I started my career, and no one slept with me there. And I didn't even get to meet the producer until my fourth time in his production."

Kuti advised intending actresses not to focus on the negativity of the acting hurdles. "Don't let them lie to you, some of these girls are the ones luring these men to sleep with them, bringing claims so others will be discouraged. If you have brains, do you have to force your way to the top?”

She added: “Truthfully, some of them are bad, but you can't say all of them. I learnt from Oga Bello, from Jide Kosoko, and they never passed advances at me."

Her comments have ignited reactions from many netizens sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter. While some have praised Kuti for speaking out against the stereotype, others have accused her of being naive or even complicit in the industry's alleged sexism.

Reactions pour in as Jaiye Kuti advises Nollywood intending actresses 

Here are some reactions below:

@jummai_jumjum commented: "Just because you were not a victim doesn't mean others aren't. Let the victims speak for themselves.$

@bukkymajekhowareu commented:" I ran away because of Afod in 2010/11 when he was still at red gate jakande isolo and the form was only N500, He shattered my dreams."

@queenasabistronglady commented: "Maami I left acting becos if d experience ma, most actresses look down on upcoming ones too much and that's nt fear, some directors are nt even ready to put u through hummmmm I cnt say it all maami..."

@ayoolahub commented: "Mama am interested in acting but one popular Actress open WhatsApp group some years ago and we're ask to pay some ransom which I did I run around too get d money and I pay but since then he did not pick my calls again I was thinking maybe I am scame but what is surprising me is dat d ACC I pay too bring d person name gangan popular actress but what will I do when his not picking my calls again. " 

@rasagcontinuity commented: “100% There are a lot of ladies coming to the industry ONLY to sleep with celebrities and leave. If they stand on their feet they shall make waves but for serious ladies... Thank you Mami."

@kaa_yah commented:" Someone like me ain't giving up anytime soon. I stand gidigba."

@kids_carrickanddanielwears commented:" You are the only one saying this... in situations like this mama mi let there be decorum pls ma, it's not a today thing, even the likes of this mummy that was there before you from way back confirmed it, though I can't remember her name, she's black and beautiful with big brother mbum and bowleg or leg pain, my parents call her folake or so, you are not the only one there, you don't have to antagonize anyone, speak on a direct platform on who new people should go to, it's not a new thing that we know."

@gross_knowledge commented:" Aunty Jayeola times have changed oo, you are talking about elders with morals. These days awon werey okunrin lo po ninu industry yin ma."

@babstee12 commented:" Mummy pls speak for yourself oo hnmmm!!!! If people come out to talk u go run ajey." 

@barceerat83 commented:" Every profession has its b@d eggs, what she is saying is don't be discouraged by what the victims are saying, even just selling online, some men will tell you can you come and sleep over because they want to buy from you. Will you stop selling your goods because of such people? NO, rather you continue with your sales with the serious ones, should female civil servants start saying their experience with men, then you will think the film industry is learning."

@lushwardrobe commented:" So true, Came back to the industry almost one yr now and I've never been stressed."

@misturaasunramu commented: "It's normal in every profession, men will try you but you don't have to do that to get a role if you are good, BE WISE.”

Biodun Okeowo alleges sexual pressure led to her Nollywood exit

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo revealed that she exited the film industry due to the sexual pressures she faced from marketers. 

Okeowo revealed that marketers blacklisted her and hindered her from getting movie roles after she declined their unwanted advances. 

Despite the challenges, the curvy actress expressed gratitude to God and stated that she's now doing well, igniting reactions from fans.