Nigerian Actress Omoni Oboli Opens Up on Losing Movie Role Over Refusal to Kiss Director
In a shocking revelation, popular Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Omoni Oboli, has shared her experience of losing a movie role due to her refusal to kiss a film director during an audition. Oboli, who is known for her outspoken nature, made this disclosure during a recent interview with comedian AY on his ‘Glasshouse show’.
The actress explained that this incident occurred after she returned to Nigeria from abroad, where she had taken a break to raise her children. According to Oboli, the director asked her to kiss him during the audition, which left her perplexed. “I didn’t understand why he would ask me to do that,” she recalled.
Feeling uncomfortable and unsure about the director’s intentions, Oboli questioned him about the legitimacy of the audition. “I asked him, ‘Is this an audition?’ and he replied, ‘Yeah, I just want to see'”. Oboli was adamant that she would not engage in any behavior that made her feel uneasy, especially in a professional setting.
“I told him, ‘Sorry, I can’t do it because I didn’t see any reason I would be kissing you, the director, when we are not on set'”. The actress’s firm stance ultimately cost her the role she had traveled for. “I ended up traveling back without playing the role”, she revealed.
Oboli’s account highlights the challenges that many women in the entertainment industry face, where they are often subjected to unprofessional and inappropriate requests from those in positions of power. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and standing up against harassment or exploitation.
By sharing her experience, Oboli has sparked a necessary conversation about the need for a safe and respectful work environment in the entertainment industry. As a respected figure in Nigerian cinema, her voice carries weight, and her story is likely to resonate with many women who have faced similar experiences.
