In recent years, the glamour of Nollywood—Africa’s largest film industry—has been overshadowed by disturbing revelations from some of its most respected actresses. Beneath the fame, red carpets, and flashing lights lies a darker reality that many women in the industry say they have endured: sexual harassment, coercion, and abuse.
For decades, whispers about the so-called “casting couch” culture have circulated in Nollywood, but only a handful of women have dared to speak publicly. Their courage has given rise to a broader conversation about power, exploitation, and the need for change in the entertainment industry. Below is a list of bold actresses who have been able to speak up about the harassment they face off-screen.
Uche Jombo:
As a respected star, Uche Jombo has not been silent about her experience. In interviews, she recalled facing sexual advances early in her acting career. She said she was once rehearsing for a role for weeks, only to lose it because she refused to “see” a producer privately.
“It happened more than once,” she shared, describing the frustration of losing opportunities for choosing dignity over compromise. Jombo’s story mirrors that of many others — talented women forced to decide between their careers and their self-respect.
Mercy Aigbe:
Popular actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe also recounted an encounter with a producer who attempted to assault her. She said that after several rounds of auditions, the man invited her to his private office, pretending to discuss her role.
“He had been making passes at me,” Aigbe recalled. “When I finally went to see him, he tried to touch me. I pushed him away and walked out.”
Her experience underlines how vulnerable aspiring actresses can be when the power to hire or fire rests in the hands of a few gatekeepers.
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Mummy Wa (Kemi Ikuseedun):
Comedian and actress Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known as Mummy Wa, also shared her experience of constant sexual advances from industry figures.
According to her, “Behind the scenes, many people are asking for ‘things’ — sexual favours — even when there’s no assurance you’ll get the job.”
Her comments exposed how deeply normalised harassment has become in certain circles, particularly for women trying to build a name for themselves.
Chioma Okoye:
Actress Chioma Okoye has likewise spoken about the pressure of unwanted advances from filmmakers.
“It’s not easy coping with sexual harassment in Nollywood,” she confessed. “Sometimes you get a role, and then someone starts asking for something in return. You have to decide where you draw the line.”
Okoye’s words reflect a sentiment shared by many women in the industry — that professionalism often takes a back seat to exploitation.
Beyond individual stories, these testimonies point to a much larger problem within Nollywood’s structure.
Many young actresses face a dangerous power imbalance: producers, directors, and sponsors often control access to opportunities. Without strong unions, reporting systems, or legal protections, victims are left to fend for themselves.
Actress Monalisa Chinda once said that many women choose silence because of fear — fear of being blacklisted, labelled, or publicly shamed. “It’s not that people don’t want to talk,” she said, “it’s that they know what the consequences could be.”
This culture of silence is further reinforced by social stigma and victim-blaming attitudes. In a conservative society, women who speak up risk being judged more harshly than the abusers themselves.
For those who resist advances, the consequences can be devastating — losing roles, facing career stagnation, or being shut out of productions.
Even more damaging is the emotional trauma. Many actresses struggle with anxiety, anger, and depression, often in private. The industry’s obsession with appearances leaves little room for vulnerability, forcing survivors to wear smiles while they heal behind closed doors.
Despite the challenges, voices for reform are growing louder. Activists and filmmakers are calling for a clear code of conduct for producers, directors, and casting agents,
