Veteran Nollywood actress Moji Afolayan has revealed that she was blacklisted by film marketers after refusing to engage in sexual relationships in exchange for movie roles.
In a candid interview on Oyinmomo TV, which began trending on Wednesday, the 57-year-old actress daughter of the late legendary actor Adeyemi ‘Adeluv’ Afolayan spoke about the damaging effects of rejecting what’s commonly referred to as the “casting couch” culture.
“Back then, marketers at Idumota funded movie productions,” she explained. “Because of the values instilled in me, I could never trade my body for roles. Even my husband has never demanded such from me.”
Afolayan claimed that after refusing to comply, marketers held a meeting to boycott her, effectively ending many career opportunities.
“I didn’t sleep with anyone. I didn’t offer my body, and they decided not to call me for roles anymore,” she said.
She added that while she maintained her dignity, many other actresses, some married were involved in such arrangements while hiding the truth from their spouses.
“They would tell me, ‘Is it only your husband?’ I chose to keep my integrity, and I thank God I did.”
Afolayan, who is married to fellow actor Rasaq ‘Ojopagogo’ Olayiwola, also recounted a late colleague who faced similar rejection for refusing a marketer’s sexual demands.
“One late actress took her work to a marketer, but he turned it down because she wouldn’t sleep with him. She encouraged me to remain noble,” Afolayan said.
Although the experience affected her fame and income, Afolayan said she stands proud of her decision.
“I value my body above all. Even my husband understands this. They may have made stars through those means, but many of them later struggled when they tried to stand on their own.”
The actress concluded by acknowledging the shift in the industry, with platforms like YouTube offering more independence for creators.
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