Veteran actor Jide Kosoko recently addressed the issue of sexual exploitation within the Nigerian film industry during an appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast.
He urged aspiring actors to maintain their self-respect and dignity, insisting that no one should feel pressured to compromise their values for a role.
While he acknowledged that some individuals might opt for questionable methods to advance their careers, he encouraged others to stick to their principles and not sacrifice their integrity for fame.
Kosoko emphasized that if someone is asked to engage in inappropriate acts, such as “warming a bed” for a role, they should simply refuse and walk away.
He remarked that some newcomers to the industry might believe that sleeping with influential figures will lead to success, but he reinforced that everyone should stay true to their values.
He said: “If I say I need you to come warm my bed, before I can give you a particular movie role and you say you don’t want, just go, they cannot force you to do that.
“But, if you want that role by all means…I know some ladies that come into the industry with determination, that by the time I sleep with this person and that person I will get my name.”
The interview sparked reactions on social media. One user criticized Kosoko for seemingly endorsing the notion of trading sex for roles, equating it to a larger issue within Nigerian politics.
@The_Craft3r said “look at what a supposed fatherly figure and legend is saying. He is even taking pride in accepting sex for roles.
“If an actor/director takes pride in such evil acts, imagine what is happening in our political scene.”
Another commenter expressed dismay at the lack of consequences for such sentiments being aired publicly, calling for accountability and labeling the situation as reflective of societal problems.
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@Soulmediaka said: “These are terrible elders! I have a theory why most of the male senators in the chamber are supporting Akpabio; what if the conviction of Akpabio will give other women courage to come forward about their experiences with other senators?
“That this old man has to be given a big platform to say these rubbish, and there will be no consequences to him or the podcast company is a reflection of the sordid state of our society.
“This ideally should have been cut from the interview or the whole episodes not published at all. But no, it’s being used as a click bit to watch the whole podcast which I expect to be trash!
“It doesn’t matter if a woman eventually says yes or no, you should not be asking for sex to give role because you are at an advantage position! People can choose to sleep with you because they are vulnerable, in which case, you are still the monster in the story.”
Meanwhile, others defended the idea of transactional relationships, suggesting that nothing in the industry should come “for free” and arguing that individuals should seek to engage with others in ways that benefit them.
@Samuel_ayo said: “There is nothing evil about it, why should they give it to you for free? If she gets it for free and later turns her back on the person that gave it to her for free what’s the gain? If you can’t pray to God to touch the heart of men to favour you and you can’t do their will”.
Overall, the discussion highlights the complex dynamics surrounding exploitation and ethics in the industry, as well as varying opinions on how to navigate such challenges.
