Moji Afolayan Opens Up on Being Blacklisted for Rejecting Advances From Film Markerters

Moji Afolayan has revealed she was blacklisted for refusing to trade sex for movie roles.

The actress says she lost fame and income but has no regrets about preserving her dignity.

Veteran Nollywood actress Moji Afolayan has opened up about a painful chapter in her career, revealing that she was blacklisted by film marketers for refusing to exchange sex for movie roles.

In a recent interview with Oyinmomo TV, the 57-year-old actress spoke candidly about how her refusal to give in to industry pressure cost her both fame and income during a period when marketers held tight control over movie production in Nigeria.

“This is because, at that time, when we had marketers at Idumota, they used to give producers money to work. However, due to the kind of training I received at home, I cannot trade my body for movies. My husband, who married me, has not even done anything. You will notice that I am trying to speak in proverbs,” she explained.

Afolayan said her values and upbringing wouldn’t allow her to participate in what is often called the “casting couch.” As a result, she was quietly shut out of the system.

“Because I did not do it, they held a meeting among themselves not to call me. I did not sleep with them. I did not offer my body for sex,” she added.

She went further to allege that several actresses who accepted such advances were promoted in the industry.

“They are all watching this programme. People who are doing it are doing it. Many of them will have their husbands outside while the wives will be with them inside. I am exposing their secrets now,” she said.

“They would tell me, ‘is it only my husband?’ I was like is it because you want to help. Then you would have to hold on to your help.”

Despite losing roles and visibility, Moji said she has no regrets.

“I thank God I stood with my dignity. That is what I am enjoying today. I held on to my virginity. I stand out among them now. I have only received mercy. They made them stars. Their posters were all around.”

She also recalled the case of a late colleague who was rejected by a marketer after refusing his advances.

“I was not the only person they did it to. There was one person who was late now, took her job to a marketer there at Arena, but it was turned down. The lady at the time told me to continue with my nobility. She narrated how the marketer told her how he had slept with in the industry.”

Moji added that although the experience impacted her financially, her body and dignity remained priceless.

“It affected me in terms of income and fame. I cherish my body more than anything. Even my husband knows.”

Moji Afolayan is married to fellow actor and filmmaker Rasaq “Ojopagogo” Olayiwola.