Nollywood actress Ayobami Ojo has poured out her heart in an emotional video, revealing the deep frustration and hurt she has endured from societal stigma attached to her profession as an actress.
In a raw and tearful outburst that has gone viral, the talented star declared she is exhausted from the negative stereotypes that continue to haunt actresses even after they leave the screen.
“I’m tired of being called an actress. Please, stop calling me an actress. I have stopped acting for years.”
Ayobami recounted painful experiences where her profession blocked major life opportunities.
“Even when I was an actress, I never did anything wrong to anybody. The last time I was trying to buy a landed property in Lagos, I couldn’t get it because the wife of the owner said she didn’t want her husband to sell the land to an actress. I also couldn’t get a place to rent for my business.”
She described how the stigma even extends into romantic relationships.
“In romantic situations, a family member or friend of my partner would tell them they shouldn’t marry an actress because we do juju too much.”
Despite her clean record and hard work, she feels unfairly judged.
“I’ve never trended for anything bad since I started acting. The only problem these people have with me is because other people say ‘actresses are bad,’ so they automatically think I’m bad.”
Her emotional video has struck a chord with many, sparking conversations about the unfair generalisation and bullying faced by entertainers in Nigeria. Ayobami cried as she spoke about how the constant negative perception has affected her personal happiness and future plans.
The actress questioned the double standards, noting how fans shower her with love online but sabotage her in real life.
“You show us love one minute, and the next minute, you’re bullying us for normal things other people do. Is it a crime to be talented?”
Her outburst has ignited debates on social media, with some sympathising with her struggles while others argue that certain behaviours in the industry contribute to the negative perception.