Nollywood actress Funke Etti has publicly accused a movie director of making an alleged sexual advance during a film project, claiming he tried to use a lead role as leverage for a sexual relationship. In an interview with Doyin Kukoyi, Etti recounted that after she rejected the director's advance, he allegedly went to the producer and questioned her suitability for the role.
Alleged Encounter on Set
According to Etti, the producer had initially informed her that she would play the lead role in the movie. However, the situation changed when the director asked her to meet him in his room. Etti said she agreed to the meeting out of respect for the director's position and authority on set, but the encounter quickly became uncomfortable when the director allegedly tried to lure her into a sexual encounter.
Etti stated: "I was on a movie set where the producer told me I would play the lead role. But the director said I should come and see him in his room. He tried to lure me into having me in bed with him, but I refused." She said she expected the matter to end after her refusal, but instead faced unexpected consequences.
Consequences of Refusal
Etti alleged that the director subsequently went behind her back and spoke negatively about her to the producer. She claimed he told the producer she was not perfect for the role after she turned down his sexual advance. The actress's account has reopened conversations about alleged abuse of power and the challenges actors may face when dealing with senior figures in Nollywood.
In a video shared on X, Etti can be seen recounting the incident, drawing reactions from social media users. One user, @VictoriaAdelere, commented: "These stories of one producers, directors tries to sleep with whatever, do they not have names? I guess we are not ready. Inasmuch you guys keep shielding them by not calling them out by their names, that act will keep recycling." Another user, @olulade15, noted: "It’s the reality of 70% of those beautiful females in Nollywood who became famous."
Reactions and Broader Context
The incident has sparked discussions about the prevalence of such experiences in the Nigerian film industry. While Etti did not name the director involved, her story highlights the pressure actors may face when vying for prominent roles. The interview, conducted by Doyin Kukoyi, has been widely shared, with many calling for more accountability in the industry.
In a related development, Nollywood actor Kunle Omisore recently spoke about his bond with actress Mide Martins, describing their relationship as family-oriented and genuine, which is why he does not charge her for appearances in her films. Omisore also explained that he prefers female friendships to avoid competition. These stories, as reported by Legit.ng, reflect ongoing conversations about dynamics within Nollywood.
