Actress Bolaji Apologises Amid Backlash Over a Controversial Movie Scene

Bolaji Ogunmola, a Nollywood actress, issued a public apology following criticism of a contentious scene in one of her films that contained disparaging statements against Yoruba women.

Actor IK Ogbonna was seen uttering remarks that were deemed obscene in the video, which recently reappeared online. He made fun of Yoruba ladies in the scene by making comments about personal habits and hygiene, and Ogunmola’s character responded.

As the video gained popularity on social media, many viewers criticised the production, accusing the actress of promoting harmful stereotypes.

Reacting to the controversy, Ogunmola explained that the offensive lines were not part of the original script. According to her, the actor improvised during filming, and she had limited authority to change what happened on set.

She stated that although she produced the movie, the director had final creative control during filming, making it difficult for her to immediately remove the scene.

She said, “I didn’t write the script. It wasn’t in the script. He improvised those lines, and I couldn’t cut him. There are ways things are done in my industry. It’s a director’s film and vision.”

Her explanation, however, did little to calm reactions online, as critics questioned why the scene remained in the final version of the film.

The actress acknowledged in a thorough apology that the criticism had seriously affected her. She disclosed that she had received unsettling messages that threatened both her personal and professional lives. She further mentioned that some people made hurtful remarks about her family and threatened to report her YouTube profile.

Ogunmola claims that the film, which was shot approximately three years ago, was meant to be a comedy that explored miscommunications between two tribes before concluding with love and harmony.

She wrote, “I have been extremely disturbed by the insult and threat to my life and livelihood over the past three days”

The actress also reaffirmed her pride in her Yoruba heritage, stating that she would never intentionally be part of content meant to disrespect her people.

She continued, “I am Yoruba, omo Ibadan ponbele ni mi… We never intended to stereotype any tribe. We genuinely wanted to make a film people will love and know we can co-exist as a united nation”

She said, She expressed regret to the Yoruba community and admitted that, as the producer, she ought to have handled the matter better. She also said that she has learned from the incident and will proceed with greater caution.”I’m not impolite, and I wouldn’t consent to a deliberately stereotyped agenda. Once more, this is acknowledged, we sincerely apologize, and I accept full responsibility as the producer.”