Actress Jaiye Kuti has spoken about feeling abandoned by her colleagues after her movie was removed from several cinemas, saying the experience exposed the lack of genuine support within the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking on the Oyinmomo podcast, the actress lamented that many people in Nollywood prefer to act as though everything is fine instead of addressing the challenges affecting filmmakers.
“Our relationship is gradually breaking down… Everybody is just acting like it’s okay. How is it okay?”
Jaiye explained that producing a movie requires huge financial investment, adding that many people have little understanding of how difficult it is for filmmakers to recover their money after a cinema release.
She also questioned the public’s perception of celebrities, arguing that the glamorous image portrayed on social media often hides the realities they face.
“The people you’re emulating and looking at as an example, do you really want to know them? The people you call celebrities and follow on social media.”
Recalling her own ordeal, Jaiye said she was hurt that none of her fellow actors stood by her when her film was pulled from cinemas, despite many of them facing similar struggles.
“Not one actor went to those cinemas or even supported me, despite the fact that we’re all going through the same thing.”
The actress said the incident changed her outlook on friendships within the industry. She noted that while colleagues failed to support her during a difficult time, they would still remember to send birthday messages.
“But If I celebrate my birthday, the next day they’d wish me a happy birthday. So I stopped wishing people a happy birthday because I don’t want anyone to wish me on my birthday. Please don’t.”
“My movie was pulled from the Cinema and not one supported me , Some people in the industry have become lesbians or gay so they can gain recognition and become popular”
— Jaiye Kuti reveals pic.twitter.com/cIpY9HXBqf
— Vampz (@Hybrid_Ola) July 4, 2026
