Actor and producer Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, has stirred controversy with his comments about the disparity in support between men and women in Nollywood. AY, who made the remarks while promoting his latest movie, The Waiter, expressed frustration over what he perceives as an imbalance in the industry’s dynamics.
“Must we have breast and yansh to have the support of our fellow men?” AY tweeted.
One day man go tell man "wetin man do man". We work so hard to stay relevant and take care of our responsibilities. Must we have breast and yansh to have the support of our fellow men?
— AY COMEDIAN (@AYCOMEDIAN) December 23, 2024
I am still the only man left in the business of filmmaking who is yet to give it all up. THE…
The comment, which seemed to reduce the success of women in Nollywood to their physical attributes, sparked a wave of backlash on social media. Critics accused the comedian of downplaying the hard work and talent of female actors while portraying himself as a victim.
One X user, @Winifred, responded:
“This tweet reeks of desperation and ignorance. You can promote your movie without playing the pity card and trying to downplay other people’s efforts.”
Another user, @UchayOkolee, called out AY for making baseless comparisons:
“Reducing the likes of Funke Akindele’s success to having ‘breast and nyash’? Uncle, maybe the problem has not been properly diagnosed.”
Other critics pointed out successful male Nollywood figures such as Femi Adebayo, Kunle Afolayan, and Niyi Akinmolayan, whose achievements have been attributed to their hard work and creativity rather than gender dynamics.
As the debate rages on, AY’s attempt to highlight challenges faced by men in Nollywood has instead ignited a broader discussion about gender, support, and merit in the Nigerian film industry. Whether this controversy will overshadow his movie The Waiter or spark meaningful conversations about equality in Nollywood remains to be seen.
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