Nollywood actress Evans Okoro has publicly accused her colleague, Ekene Umenwa, of being the source of a damaging rumor that Okoro is living with HIV. The allegation has sparked a heated controversy within Nigeria’s film industry.
The dispute emerged after Okoro’s name appeared on a purported list of Nollywood stars discussed by Umenwa with a Nigeria-based nurse in the UK. In an emotional video posted to her Instagram account, Okoro expressed shock and demanded Umenwa’s response. She stated that her name was included in conversations about individuals carrying a “heavy” disease, referring to HIV. Okoro directly addressed Umenwa, questioning if she was responsible for the inclusion. She also issued a conditional curse, asking for divine punishment on Umenwa and her family if the accusation was true, and on the fabricators of the lie if it was false. Okoro notably mentioned that the rumor had caused her mother significant distress.
This incident adds to a series of public disputes involving Umenwa. Media reports, including from the Media Talk Africa, note that the actress was recently accused by fellow star Destiny Etiko of making false claims about Etiko assaulting her mother. The recurrence of such high-profile conflicts points to ongoing tensions within the Nollywood community.
The spread of unverified health rumors, particularly concerning HIV, carries severe social and professional implications in Nigeria, where stigma surrounding the virus remains a significant challenge. Such allegations can irreparably damage reputations and careers. Okoro’s public rebuttal underscores the personal and familial toll such gossip can exact.
As of now, Ekene Umenwa has not issued a public statement responding to Okoro’s specific accusations. The situation continues to unfold on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention from fans and industry observers. The episode highlights the volatile nature of celebrity disputes in the digital age and the potential for off-screen conversations to ignite major public scandals. The long-term impact on both actresses’ standing within Nollywood remains uncertain pending further developments.
