A passionate on-screen kiss between popular Nollywood actors Etim Effiong and Bolaji Ogunmola has ignited a fiery debate across Nigerian social media platforms, leaving netizens divided over the boundaries of professional acting for married celebrities.
Viral Video Creates Social Media Storm
The controversy began when a short romantic clip featuring the two actors went viral, showing them sharing an intense, chemistry-filled kiss. Originally shared in a post celebrating what was described as their undeniable connection, the video quickly shifted from admiration to intense scrutiny as viewers began questioning the appropriateness of the scene.
Published on November 26, 2025, the video immediately drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praised the actors for their convincing performance, many others focused their attention on Etim Effiong's marital status and his frequent appearances in romantic roles.
Netizens Question Married Actor's Roles
The comment section beneath the viral video became a battleground of opinions, with numerous social media users expressing their discomfort with seeing a married man engage in such intimate scenes. One particularly vocal user wrote: This guy is becoming annoying at this point. Why is a married man always in these romantic movies?
Another comment took the criticism further, suggesting that Etim's wife might have valid reasons to crash out due to the uncomfortable nature of watching her husband perform intimate scenes with other women. This perspective highlighted the personal toll such professional acting might take on real-life relationships.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some defenders of the actor emphasized the professional nature of filmmaking. User @UcheMaryOkoli countered the criticism by stating: But you people know that this kiss is strictly between the characters, right? I see you all giving your 2 cents about what their real partners would think about this. It is called acting for a reason!
Broader Conversation About Acting Boundaries
The controversy has sparked a larger discussion about the boundaries between professional acting and personal life in Nollywood. Some social media users admitted that they would struggle with their spouses taking on such roles, with one commenter noting they would be admitted in the hospital before their husband returned home from such a filming session.
Interestingly, the writer of the scene, @owumiugbeye, revealed that the director had actually asked them to tone down the original version, suggesting that what viewers saw was already a moderated portrayal of the scripted intimacy.
This isn't the first time Etim Effiong has faced controversy over his acting choices. The article notes that the actor was recently in the midst of another controversy over his new movie, though specific details weren't provided. Despite the online backlash, the actor's wife, Toyosi, has previously expressed admiration for her husband's work, even blushing over his movie posters according to previous reports.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension in Nollywood between artistic expression and cultural expectations, particularly concerning married actors and their choice of roles in romantic productions.
