Fight Allegedly Breaks Out Between Male Nollywood Producer and Female Crew Member on Movie Set
A disturbing video allegedly showing a physical altercation between a male Nollywood producer and a female crew member has gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread outrage and renewed debate over on-set ethics, workplace abuse, and gender-based violence within Nigeria’s film industry.
The footage, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram late Monday night, captures the chaotic moment the confrontation escalated into a physical fight during a movie shoot. The video, lasting less than one minute, shows the man — believed to be a senior member of the film’s production team — pushing a woman onto a chair before attempting to restrain her by the neck. The woman, holding what appeared to be a handheld fan, tried desperately to fend him off before other crew members rushed to intervene.
As onlookers screamed and attempted to separate them, the scene descended into confusion. The female crew member, visibly shaken and distressed, was later seen in a follow-up clip showing the damage to her clothes, which had been torn during the struggle, leaving her partially exposed. Her voice trembled as she recounted what she described as “an unprovoked assault,” insisting that she had been “only trying to do [her] job.”
While the identities of the individuals involved have not been officially confirmed, sources within the film’s production team told that the incident occurred during the shooting of an independent Nollywood film in the Surulere area of Lagos State.
Crew members present at the scene have provided conflicting accounts of what led to the fight. One witness claimed that the altercation started after a verbal disagreement between the producer and the woman over the handling of a lighting prop and timing delays on set.
According to the source, “It began with shouting. The producer was upset that the scene was delayed because the lighting wasn’t ready. The lady tried to explain that one of the bulbs had blown, but he accused her of slowing down production. The next thing, voices were raised, and suddenly he pushed her.”
Another eyewitness, however, claimed that the confrontation was mutual and escalated after both parties exchanged insults. “It was heated from both sides,” the source said. “She was angry too, and she picked up a fan to defend herself. It was when she raised the fan that he lunged forward to grab her. People rushed to stop them, but it was already bad by then.”
Neither the producer nor the woman has issued a public statement as of the time of this report, but the video has already sparked waves of condemnation from fans, fellow filmmakers, and gender rights activists who are calling for the intervention of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN).
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), through its spokesperson, has reportedly begun investigating the viral footage. Although no formal statement has been released, an internal source confirmed that the guild is “treating the matter seriously” and plans to convene a disciplinary committee if the identities of those involved are verified.
A senior female director, speaking anonymously to GEENCEE, condemned the incident and called for the establishment of stronger workplace protection protocols in Nollywood.
“This is not just a fight — it’s a symptom of a deeper problem in our industry. Many female crew members face harassment, disrespect, and even violence on set, but they stay silent for fear of being blacklisted. We need a code of conduct that makes such behaviour impossible to ignore.”
Veteran Nollywood actress and producer, Kate Henshaw, also weighed in via X, writing:
“No form of violence is acceptable — not on set, not anywhere. Our sets should be safe spaces for creativity, not battlegrounds for power and ego.”
The incident has revived conversations around the safety and welfare of behind-the-scenes workers in Nollywood, especially women who often occupy vulnerable positions in hierarchical production environments dominated by male directors and producers.
Online reaction to the video has been explosive, with social media users divided along gender and contextual lines. While many condemned the producer for resorting to violence, others urged caution against “one-sided judgment,” arguing that the viral clip may not show the full story.
One user, @AbuHamza, wrote:
“What a despicable excuse of a man! I know women can be annoying at times, but nothing justifies putting hands on a woman. Absolutely nothing!”
Another user, however, countered:
“People should stop judging from half videos. We didn’t see how it started. What if she hit him first? Everyone is quick to shout abuse without seeing full evidence.”
Others called for both parties to be held accountable, arguing that professionalism must apply equally to both genders on a movie set.
@KarenBush commented:
“Always choose to walk away from chaos. Violence ruins careers and reputations. Now this man’s name — and the woman’s — are trending for the wrong reasons.”
Legal experts say that the altercation, if verified as physical assault, could attract criminal charges under Nigerian law. Section 351 of the Criminal Code Act (CAP C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004) classifies assault as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. If bodily harm or injury occurred, the penalty could increase to three years or more.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, reacting to the viral video on X, stated:
“Regardless of gender, assault remains a criminal offence. If the video is authentic, both parties should be invited by the police for investigation. Consent, provocation, or workplace stress is no excuse.”
Women’s rights groups, including Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) and Project Alert on Violence Against Women, have urged the police to open an inquiry, describing the act as “gender-based violence in a professional setting.” STER’s Executive Director, Ayodeji Osowobi, wrote:
“This is not an isolated event. The entertainment industry must adopt clear anti-violence and sexual harassment policies to protect women in creative spaces.”
As of Wednesday morning, neither the Nollywood Producers Guild nor the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) had released official statements. Sources close to the DGN say internal deliberations are ongoing, as members fear the scandal could tarnish Nollywood’s reputation internationally, especially as the industry seeks more global partnerships and streaming collaborations.
“We’re in an era where international platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are investing millions in Nigerian productions,” said a producer familiar with the situation. “Incidents like this raise questions about our professional standards and set safety protocols. It’s damaging.”
The viral video has reignited broader discussions about power abuse and gender inequality in Nollywood. Behind the glamour and celebrity appeal, insiders say the industry’s structure often leaves junior staff — especially women — vulnerable to exploitation, verbal abuse, and harassment.
A cinematographer based in Asaba told LIB:
“There’s no HR department on most sets. The producer is the boss, the financier, the judge, and sometimes the abuser. If a woman speaks up, she risks being replaced or blacklisted from future productions.”
Academics studying African cinema also note that such incidents reflect systemic issues within informal labour systems that dominate Nigeria’s creative industries. Without standardized contracts, safety regulations, or mental health support, disputes often turn personal and, at times, violent.
Industry psychologists and counsellors have highlighted the immense pressure that accompanies Nollywood production schedules. Tight budgets, limited equipment, and daily financial stress can create volatile work environments.
Film psychologist Dr. Ijeoma Okonkwo told LIB:
“Nollywood is fast-paced, underfunded, and highly competitive. Producers are under enormous stress to meet deadlines and satisfy sponsors. However, stress cannot justify violence. We must train filmmakers to manage emotions and conflict professionally.”
She emphasized that emotional intelligence and mental health training should become mandatory in film schools and industry workshops to prevent future incidents.
The altercation has once again revealed deep societal divides over gender roles and violence in Nigeria. While feminist voices demand justice and accountability, a significant section of male commenters continues to rationalize physical aggression when provoked — a mindset activists say perpetuates abuse.
Media scholar Dr. Temitope Adebayo argues that such cases expose the patriarchal underpinnings of Nigeria’s entertainment culture.
“What we’re witnessing is not just a fight; it’s a reflection of a system where masculinity equates to dominance. Until men unlearn entitlement and see women as equals in creative spaces, these flashpoints will continue.”
Although no official police report has been confirmed, sources within the Lagos State Police Command disclosed that the command’s Gender Desk Unit is “aware of the video” and may invite the individuals involved for questioning once their identities are confirmed.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, when contacted for comment, stated:
“We have seen the video circulating. We advise both parties to come forward voluntarily. Violence of any kind will be investigated, and due process will take its course.”
While many praised the person who filmed and shared the video for exposing the violence, others criticized the leak for violating privacy and potentially worsening the trauma of the victim.
Social media ethicists argue that the balance between exposing wrongdoing and respecting dignity remains a delicate line.
One post by @TechQueenChika summarized the dilemma:
“If no one recorded it, she might have been hurt worse. But now her private moment of humiliation is everywhere online. We need justice, but we also need empathy.”
This is not the first time Nollywood has faced scandal over workplace violence. In 2023, a rising actress accused a film director of slapping her during a set argument. The case fizzled out after a private settlement. Earlier in 2024, another viral clip showed two actors trading blows over unpaid wages.
Despite repeated promises of reform, many insiders say the absence of a strong central regulatory body has left Nollywood vulnerable to chaos. Unlike Hollywood or Bollywood, where guilds enforce professional conduct, Nigeria’s fragmented system allows bad behaviour to go unchecked.
Experts and rights advocates are urging the government and Nollywood stakeholders to institutionalize a Film Workers’ Code of Conduct, ensuring safe, gender-sensitive workplaces. Suggested reforms include:
- Mandatory conflict resolution and anger management workshops for film crews.
- Establishment of on-set safety officers.
- Anonymous reporting channels for harassment and violence.
- Sanctions for producers or directors found guilty of assault or abuse.
- Legal aid support for victims of workplace violence.
The alleged fight between the male Nollywood producer and the female crew member has opened a raw and uncomfortable chapter in Nigeria’s creative industry. Beyond the viral outrage, it poses deeper questions about professionalism, gender respect, and the human cost of unchecked power dynamics.
As Nollywood continues to grow into a global powerhouse, its sustainability will depend not only on box office hits but also on the dignity and safety of the people behind the camera.
For now, one video has forced an entire industry to confront its reflection — and decide whether it will finally draw a line between passion and violence.