Kunle Afod Denies Sexual Misconduct Claims, Calls for Specific Allegations in Nollywood
Veteran Nollywood actor and director Kunle Afod has responded to growing allegations of sexual exploitation in the Nigerian film industry, urging critics to move beyond vague accusations and present concrete evidence if they want to be taken seriously.
Speaking on Nollywood on Radio, Afod dismissed general claims of widespread abuse as harmful and misleading, arguing that only specific, verified allegations can bring about meaningful accountability.
“If someone claims they were raped in the industry, let them name who did it,” Afod said. “Don’t just throw accusations around that stain the entire industry. Bring names. Bring proof.”
Afod went on to argue that romantic advances are not unique to Nollywood but are a part of adult life across all professions — from schools and hospitals to banks and offices. According to him, many of these interactions are consensual and shouldn’t automatically be labeled as exploitation.
“We are adults. There is consent,” he said. “Whether you’re in school, at the hospital, or working in a bank — people will approach you. If you like them, you agree. If you don’t, you say no. It’s not a Nollywood problem; it’s life.”
He added that in some professions, personal relationships can even overlap with professional goals — a dynamic he suggested is often misunderstood or unfairly criticized.
Afod’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian entertainment industry is increasingly under scrutiny for alleged abuses of power. While some have praised his call for specificity and fairness, others argue that framing exploitation as consensual courtship may risk undermining the lived experiences of victims. Still, Afod insists that accountability must start with facts not hearsay.
