Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu has alleged that the English-language segment of Nigeria’s movie industry was plagued by a “sex-for-roles” culture during the early years of her career.
Speaking in an interview with Oyinmomo TV, the Yoruba film star recalled her experiences while attempting to break into the English movie industry before deciding to focus on Yoruba productions.
According to Regina, she attended several auditions in Surulere, Lagos, where she encountered practices she described as discouraging and exploitative.
She claimed that aspiring actresses were often expected to engage in sexual relationships with actors, producers and other industry figures before being considered for opportunities.
The actress further alleged that some individuals used fake movie scripts to lure young actresses into compromising situations, insisting that the English-language film sector was far less welcoming than the Yoruba movie industry.
Regina, who is of Igbo descent but was raised in the South-West, said she found it easier to establish herself in the Yoruba film industry because of her background and familiarity with the culture.
She also expressed regret that her decision to remain in the Yoruba movie sector has limited her popularity outside the region, particularly in her home state of Enugu.
“I attended auditions several times at Winnings Hotel in Surulere, where many actors used to gather. They were not as accommodating as the Yoruba industry,” she said.
Regina added that while she is widely recognised across Lagos and other South-West states, she remains relatively unknown in Enugu because of her career path in Yoruba-language films.