Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi has publicly criticized her colleague Peggy Ovire following the ongoing controversy involving actor Taye Arimoro, who accused Peggy and her crew of allegedly assaulting him and preventing him from leaving a film set.
Taking to her Instagram Story, Kemi Afolabi condemned Peggy’s actions, describing them as unprofessional and unacceptable. She declared her support for Taye, who had earlier shared a video showing visible injuries to his gums and lips after the alleged incident.
Afolabi wrote:
“Never OK to hold actors on set filming against their will @peggyovire. You and your crew acted like TOUTS. You have no right stopping @tayearimoro from leaving location. Y’all acted unprofessional! You treated him like a common criminal.”
Her comments have since sparked mixed reactions from fans and fellow actors online.
Instagram user @pabryg_beauties_skincare countered Afolabi’s statement, saying, “So why did he beat up two of the crew members allegedly?? I’m sure they weren’t holding him at gunpoint.” Another user, @_chantelion, questioned Afolabi’s version of events, “Were you there?”
Others defended Afolabi’s position, insisting no actor should be detained against their will, regardless of circumstances. @oyebeecee wrote, “Some of them won’t say anything now till it happens to them too.”
However, @stephenieobienu sided with Peggy, writing, “If the guy collected money for the job, he needs to stay and finish his work. Time is also money. These new actors don’t like to work, old actors would stay till morning to finish their scenes. These newbies and pride 5&6.”
Peggy Ovire had earlier shared her own side of the story, claiming that Taye Arimoro “beat up two crew members” after refusing to complete two short scenes before wrap-up. She maintained that her driver only intervened after the situation turned violent, and denied instructing anyone to harm or detain him.
The incident, which has quickly become one of Nollywood’s most talked-about set disputes in recent times, has divided public opinion, with fans calling for a clearer account from both sides to set the record straight.