Shirley Igwe Suspended Indefinitely by AGN Over Alleged Assault on Movie Set Crew Member
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the official body representing Nollywood professionals, has announced the indefinite suspension of popular actress Shirley Igwe over her alleged involvement in a physical altercation with a crew member on a film set. The disciplinary action follows what the Guild described as “violent and indiscipline actions capable of discrediting the acting profession.”
This announcement, which has stirred intense conversations across Nollywood and Nigerian social media, was confirmed in an official communication distributed to AGN’s national leadership and various state chapter chairmen. The suspension is to remain in effect pending the outcome of a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to initial reports from TVC News and corroborated by sources within the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), the incident occurred during the shooting of an upcoming Nollywood production at a set location in Asaba, Delta State. Shirley Igwe, a former Delta Soap ambassador and on-screen favorite known for her roles in romantic dramas and political thrillers, allegedly slapped a CDGN member during a disagreement over wardrobe coordination.
The crew member, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed for safety and procedural reasons, was said to be fulfilling their duties as part of the film’s creative design team. Sources claim that tensions arose when the designer insisted on a costume change required for continuity in a particular scene, which Igwe reportedly resisted. Eyewitnesses say a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation, culminating in the actress allegedly assaulting the crew member in full view of others on set.
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An eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “We were shocked. No one expected that kind of behavior from Shirley. The situation was tense, and the crew member was visibly shaken. It caused a major disruption on set.”
The AGN’s response to the incident was swift and stern. In its statement, the Guild noted that acts of violence, especially against fellow professionals in the creative industry, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The official communiqué read:
“Following credible reports of a violent incident involving Ms. Shirley Igwe and a member of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria, the Actors Guild of Nigeria has placed her on indefinite suspension. This measure is in line with our commitment to maintaining professionalism and discipline within Nollywood. No AGN member is to participate in any production involving Ms. Igwe pending the conclusion of our investigations.”
This is not the first time the AGN has disciplined an actor for off-camera conduct. In recent years, the Guild has tried to clamp down on unprofessional behavior, especially those involving issues of sexual harassment, physical altercations, and violations of set ethics.
The CDGN has also issued its own response to the matter, expressing deep disappointment at the treatment of its member. The association, which represents costume designers, makeup artists, stylists, and other creative professionals in the film and television industry, is demanding both a public apology and legal action against the actress.
In a brief released by its President, Mr. Edward Iruobe, the CDGN emphasized:
“No member of the creative design team should ever be subjected to violence or intimidation in the course of carrying out their duties. We condemn the alleged assault in the strongest terms and will support our member in seeking redress.”
Sources within the Guild suggest that a petition has already been filed with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), requesting that Igwe be temporarily blacklisted from participating in projects that receive national screening approval.
As of this publication, Shirley Igwe has not issued an official public statement. However, a close associate of the actress, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the incident is being “blown out of proportion” and insisted that Shirley “never intended to hurt anyone.” The source also hinted that the actress may release a formal statement or apology once her legal team has reviewed the AGN’s letter and the CDGN’s accusations.
Online, public reaction has been sharply divided. Some fans and industry colleagues have called for calm and due process, while others insist that professional misconduct in any form should be met with zero tolerance.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation within Nollywood about working conditions, actor conduct, and the treatment of crew members. While actors and directors often enjoy the limelight, many backstage professionals—like costume designers, sound engineers, and makeup artists—report facing frequent disrespect, long hours, and poor remuneration.
Speaking to our correspondent, a well-known Nollywood set designer remarked:
“There’s a culture of hierarchy that treats crew members as disposable. This isn’t the first time someone’s been assaulted, but it’s one of the few times it’s been taken seriously. We hope this sets a precedent.”
Others believe the issue may open the door for improved labor relations and clearer behavioral codes of conduct on film sets. Industry veterans like Joke Silva, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Richard Mofe-Damijo have previously called for a “Nollywood Compact” that enforces a system of penalties and rehabilitation for erring actors.
With the suspension in place, AGN has established a disciplinary review committee to investigate the matter. The committee is expected to interview witnesses, review statements, and make recommendations within 30 days. If found culpable, Shirley Igwe could face an extended ban, mandatory anger management training, or even permanent expulsion from the Guild—depending on the severity of the findings.
The AGN also emphasized that its disciplinary process will be transparent and will allow Ms. Igwe to defend herself. The Guild’s National President, Emeka Rollas, in an interview with Nollywood Today, stated:
“Everyone deserves a fair hearing, but no one is above the rules. Actors must understand they are role models and must act with decency on and off the screen.”
Meanwhile, productions that had previously cast Shirley Igwe are being advised to either postpone shoots or recast her roles to avoid conflict with AGN regulations. A major TV series in development, which was scheduled to begin principal photography next month in Enugu and was set to star Igwe as the female lead, is reportedly now considering alternative options.
This is not the first controversy involving Shirley Igwe, although none in the past have involved physical assault. In 2021, she was briefly embroiled in a scandal over leaked private messages regarding casting negotiations, but the matter was later dismissed as “mischief.”
Still, critics argue that the current case presents a more serious infraction that cannot be downplayed. Human rights lawyer and entertainment industry advocate, Barrister Chinelo Onwuegbu, stated:
“The entertainment industry, like any workplace, must be governed by rules. If this incident is confirmed, it’s not just about one actress—it’s about making the set a safe space for everyone.”
As Nollywood continues to expand into a multibillion-naira industry, driven by streaming giants, international film festivals, and digital distribution, the expectations for professionalism across all layers of the sector are rising. The AGN’s decision to suspend Shirley Igwe pending an investigation signals a commitment to enforce standards and protect the rights of all industry participants.
For now, the actress remains on suspension, her future in Nollywood uncertain as the industry awaits the final verdict from the Actors Guild’s disciplinary panel. Whether she is exonerated or sanctioned, the case has already sparked a necessary reckoning within Nigeria’s film community—and a reminder that the spotlight must be matched by responsibility.