Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
Popular Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu has alleged that Nigeria's English-language film industry was dominated by a "sex-for-roles" culture during the early years of her acting career, saying the experience influenced her decision to build her career in the Yoruba segment of Nollywood instead.
The actress made the allegations during an interview aired on Oyinmomo TV on Friday, July 24, 2026, where she reflected on the challenges she encountered while trying to establish herself in the Nigerian film industry. Chukwu claimed that repeated experiences during auditions in the English-language sector left her disillusioned and ultimately pushed her towards the Yoruba movie industry, which she described as more welcoming and supportive.
According to Chukwu, she attended several auditions in Surulere, Lagos, at a venue she identified as Winnings Hotel, where many aspiring actors and established performers gathered in the early stages of their careers. She recalled seeing several actors, including veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji, at the venue while she pursued opportunities to secure acting roles.
Sharing her experience, Chukwu alleged that gaining meaningful opportunities in the English-language sector often came with demands for sexual favours. She claimed that some individuals within the industry used fake movie scripts and promises of acting roles to lure aspiring actresses into sexual relationships, describing the practice as widespread and openly acknowledged.
"For the English industry, it was strictly sex for role. They won't hide it from you," she said, alleging that pressure for sexual relationships extended beyond producers and directors to other individuals connected with film productions.
The actress contrasted her experience with the Yoruba arm of Nollywood, saying she found it significantly more accommodating despite being of Igbo origin. According to her, growing up in the South-West and being fluent in Yoruba helped her integrate easily into the industry, where she eventually established herself as one of its recognised faces.
Chukwu said her decision to focus on Yoruba-language films came at a cost, noting that while she enjoys widespread recognition across Lagos and many South-Western states, her popularity is considerably lower in Enugu State, her ancestral home. She lamented that many people from the South-East are unfamiliar with her acting career because of her association with the Yoruba movie industry.
The actress's comments have reignited public discussion about long-standing allegations of sexual exploitation within Nigeria's entertainment industry. Over the years, several actresses and aspiring performers have spoken publicly about alleged demands for sexual favours in exchange for movie roles, although many prominent industry figures have consistently denied the existence of an organised "sex-for-roles" culture and have called for victims to report offenders through appropriate legal channels.
The issue has periodically attracted national attention, particularly following investigations into alleged sexual misconduct in parts of the entertainment industry and broader conversations about workplace harassment in Nigeria. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly urged performers to report abuse while encouraging producers, directors and guilds to strengthen ethical standards and create safer working environments for actors.
Regina Chukwu, a widow, has built a successful career in the Yoruba film industry over the years, featuring in numerous movies and television productions. She has also become known for openly discussing her personal struggles and professional journey, often using her platform to advocate for resilience and transparency within the entertainment industry.
Her latest remarks have generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for calls to address exploitation within the film industry, while others have urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders to continue promoting accountability and safeguarding aspiring actors from abuse.
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