Actor and philanthropist Kunle Afod has downplayed the prevalence of sexual exploitation in Nollywood, suggesting that such occurrences are not unique to the film industry.
Speaking during an interview on Nollywood on Radio, Afod likened the issue to romantic advances in other professional fields, insisting that true success still hinges on talent.
“Without talent, even selling your body won’t get you far,” he said, stressing that while people may leverage personal assets to climb the ladder, only skill and creativity can ensure longevity.
Afod also encouraged aspiring filmmakers to take control of their careers through self-production, declaring, “Everybody can produce movies.”
Afod said: “One thing I tell people, bring out those that said they raped them in the industry.
“We are adults. There is consent. If you attend school, they will likely ask you out. If you are a nurse, doctors might ask you out. Patients might ask you out. If you like, you agree.
“We have bankers who are looking for targets. If the man you’re going to meet asks you out and you like him, you agree. And you meet your target. It’s the same thing. It’s not their problem.
“If I were a coach, I have 21 players. And I am going to use 11. Probably, I might have 14 good players. If you want to get your way, you will use what you have to get your way.
“That is what the girls always say. Use what you have to get what you want. Not all the girls.
“But see, let me tell you the truth. Your talent will always be ahead in everything. If you are not good and you sell your body, you are just wasting your time.
“Because they will not use you. But if you are good and you insist that you are not going to lay on anybody’s bed. That talent will still put you on that spot.
“Let everybody have their own money and produce their own movies. It is as simple as that. Everybody can produce. That’s Nigerian style. Everybody can produce movies. Everybody can. You can”.
