Sex for roles has become a phenomenon in the entertainment sector; let’s delve into the Nigerian movie space popularly known as Nollywood.
There are many reasons why sex for roles could be considered or is even a thing in the movie industry.
While some believe that there is no justification for actors/actresses being subdued into submitting their bodies before being assigned or given specific roles, others believe that some willingly offer their bodies to get prominent roles in movies, especially the female folk.
One of the reasons why the exchange of sex for roles arises is when competing/lead roles are being given to individuals who don’t merit it, possibly because they yielded to the sexual gratifications of the producers or directors.
Let’s take a look at some of the female actresses who have spoken out about their experiences of being asked to exchange sex for movie roles in the industry.
Nene Nwayo is an actress trying to break into the Nigerian film industry; in her short career so far, the actress said she’s been asked for sex 10-15 times in exchange for roles, requests she’s rejected outright. She also has been told to lighten her skin, yet another thing she refused to do.
There’s also Jumoke George, who revealed how her refusal to exchange sex for roles led to her being absent from the film industry for 14 years.
Yoruba movie actress Peju Johnson also revealed that she almost quit acting in the early days of her career due to regular demand for sex in exchange for roles by movie producers.
“Many people approached me saying they would help my career if I dated them or had sex with them. Because I declined, nobody called me for jobs. I was at home for many months without getting any roles because I refused to sleep my way to the top”. Peju said.
Top Society in a recent interview with Nollywood Actress Princess Eno Udo, dived into the issue.
Read the interview below:
Q: Is trading sex for roles a thing in the movie industry?
A: Well, it exists in the industry one way or another, but it depends on how the Actor presents herself or himself to the Producer or Director.
Q: From the producer’s angle now, why do you think Producers/Directors take advantage of female actresses in the industry?
A: Well, most of them who indulge in it I most say, are not disciplined. The disciplined ones who know their onions in the industry will not do such.
Q; True, but what can be done to curb or reduce the frequency of such inappropriate acts?
A: Seminars/Lectures should be arranged more for Producers & Actors in order to train them more on the Ethics of their job. Secondly Actors who face such from Producers or Directors should speak out for them to be scolded and punished.
Q; Based on your response to the last question, what do you think should be the punishment for the perpetrators of this act?
A: Suspension. Going forward, how do you think this affects the careers of female actresses in the industry? I believe if discipline is put into it in the proper way, more female actresses will be comfortable to work and give their best.
The issue of exchanging sex for roles has taken a toll on some actresses. This has led to the loss of good jobs that would have projected them out the more. Being frustrated or sometimes even falling into depression.
Producers and directors should do better, giving roles strictly on merit and not by who is being slept with. Trading of sex for roles should be eradicated.
