Bolaji Ogunmola, a Nollywood producer, has come under criticism after actor IK Ogbonna made derogatory remarks about Yoruba women’s cleanliness in a leaked movie footage. Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola publicly apologised in response to criticism over a controversial scene in one of her films that made derogatory remarks about Yoruba women.
The video, which just surfaced online, showed actor IK Ogbonna making statements that were considered offensive. Ogunmola character reacted when he made fun of the Yoruba women in the scenario by making remarks about their personal cleanliness and habits.
Many people attacked the production and accused the actress of spreading negative stereotypes when the video gained popularity on social media.
In response to the controversy, Ogunmola clarified that the objectionable lines were not originally included in the script. She claimed that she had little control over what transpired on set and that the actor improvised while filming.
She claimed that even though she produced the picture, it was challenging for her to quickly remove the scene because the director had final creative control throughout filming.
“I didn’t write the script,” she declared. The script did not include it. I was unable to cut him because he improvised those phrases. In my field, there are certain methods. It is the film and vision of the director.
However, many questioned why the sequence was kept in the finished version of the movie, and her response did little to soothe internet anger.
In a comprehensive apology, the actress admitted that the criticism had had a significant impact on her. She revealed that she had received disturbing messages endangering her personal and professional lives. She added that other users threatened to report her YouTube profile and made harsh comments about her family.
According to Ogunmola, the movie, which was shot about three years ago, was intended to be a comedy that examined misunderstandings between two tribes before coming to a peaceful and loving conclusion.
She stated, “I have been extremely disturbed by the insult and threat to my life and livelihood over the past three days”
The actress also reiterated how proud she is of her Yoruba ancestry, saying she would never purposefully participate in something that would denigrate her people.
“I am Yoruba, omo Ibadan ponbele ni mi,” she went on. Stereotyping any tribe was never our intention. We sincerely wanted to create a movie that people would enjoy and understand that we can live together as a single country.
She apologised to the Yoruba community and acknowledged that, as the producer, she should have handled the situation more skilfully. She added that she will move forward more cautiously because she has learned from the experience.”I wouldn’t agree to a purposefully stereotypical goal, and I’m not rude. Again, this is acknowledged, we are truly sorry, and as the producer, I take full responsibility.”