Popular Yoruba movie actress, Opeyemi Ayeola Owolomose, has reacted to the allegation that actresses suffer sexual harassment.
The mother of two said most women are the reason for the sexual harassment they face in the industry.
Speaking with the Sun, the Ogun state-born thespian said, “I wouldn’t totally agree that it’s true as much as I wouldn’t deny that actresses suffer sexual harassment, because it’s not happened where I am doesn’t mean it does not exist.
“From day one it’s always the case when men get attracted to women and vice versa. When you claim men harass women, are you saying women too don’t torment or grease the male even with their sexy moves? So, for me, it’s a matter of choice. It becomes an issue when the two of them don’t agree before anything is done.”
On how she had been able to turn down sexual advances from producers/ directors while starting her acting career, Ayeola said, “I’m a woman, and a beautiful one at that. But I will never position myself at that corner where you will have the courage or momentum to even offer me such desire.
“I grew up as a very nurtured and disciplined woman and I’m never desperate at getting to the top. A man will only have the desire to sexually molest you if and when he sees you as just too loose and desperate. Once you don’t place yourself in such corners, I believe such would be convincingly avoided,” she added.
Speaking further, she addressed the news of poverty in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood.
According to her, “The word poverty, to me is just a mind set, and No, I won’t agree there is poverty ravaging the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. It’s all a matter of orientation and belief, and basically how you see it. Who says the rich too don’t cry? Of course they do. Maybe what you don’t know is that, the English actors have only packaged themselves. We all are rich, and we all have our challenges. Let’s just respect that, and be more standard in what we do.
“The world economy itself has suffered one challenge or another, and these challenges are not only limited to the entertainment sector alone.
“My advice to the government is just to support the industry with policies that would help sustain the actors, to boost them financially, give them a sense of belonging, protect their today and the future, and most importantly help eradicate piracy. With all these, definitely the future will be brighter,” the ‘Aso Iye’ actress added.
Comments