In a recent television interview, actress Jumoke George opened up about her decision to take an extended break from acting, revealing the challenges she faced in the Nigerian film industry. She explained that, upon her return to Nollywood a few years ago, she encountered significant obstacles, including criticism about her skin tone. According to her, many directors suggested that she should bleach her skin to fit their standards.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jumoke recalled a particularly painful moment when a director informed her that she was being blacklisted for refusing to engage in sexual favors. “My skin tone wasn’t the only hurdle I faced in this industry. I also lost roles because I stood firm against sleeping around. They often complained that I was too dark, but I insisted they should adjust the lighting to make me appear lighter,” she said.
Jumoke emphasized her refusal to compromise her values: “You cannot force me into something I don’t want to do. I intend to embrace my natural skin for life, and remember, black does not crack.” She explained that the pressure to engage in relationships in exchange for roles came from many individuals within the industry, leading to a toxic environment where directors discussed actresses among themselves if they dated and then moved on.
The actress shared that she went three years without landing any roles and was initially confused by her lack of opportunities. One day, while at Feminar Cafe at LTV 8, she met a director who revealed the truth about her blacklisting. “When I asked why I wasn’t being called for roles, he bluntly said their group had decided to exclude me because I refused to sleep with them. He questioned what I gained from standing my ground. I was so overwhelmed that I started to cry,” she recalled.
Despite the setbacks, Jumoke found solace in her faith and prayed for guidance. Known for her performances in both Yoruba and English films, Jumoke George has also hosted various television shows in Nigeria.
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