Actor and Producer, Ayodeji Makun, widely recognized by his stage name AY, has sparked significant backlash following a controversial comment about the perceived lack of support for men in Nollywood. The remark, which has since gone viral, has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many accusing the comedian of downplaying the efforts of women in the industry.
The comedian and actor, on Monday, voiced his frustrations about what he described as the unequal levels of support between male and female actors in Nollywood. AY expressed concern that men in the industry receive considerably less encouragement compared to their female counterparts. In a provocative statement, he questioned, “Must we have breast and yansh to have the support of our fellow men?”
AY’s comment was made as part of efforts to promote his latest film, 'The Waiter'. However, the statement has not been well-received, with many accusing him of playing the pity card and reducing the success of female actors to physical attributes.
The comment quickly garnered widespread criticism from netizens, with numerous social media users expressing their disapproval. Many argued that AY’s statement was insensitive and disrespectful to the hard work and achievements of women in the industry. Others viewed it as a desperate attempt to generate attention for his new movie.
An X user, @Winifred, shared a scathing response, stating, “This tweet reeks of desperation and ignorance. You can promote your movie without playing the pity card or trying to downplay other people’s efforts. Ewwwww. By the way, you can go for BBL just like Bob and maybe then, we will watch your movies.”
Another user, @UchayOkolee, took issue with AY’s comment, saying, “Reducing the likes of Funke Akindele’s success to having ‘breast and nyash’ lmao! So Funke and Co. have the support of your fellow men because of breast and nyash??? Uncle, the world has already gone mad. Men are now changing their genitals to a woman’s own. You can do yours.”
A further critique came from @Osumare Ayomi, who pointed out successful male figures in Nollywood, stating, “Femi Adebayo doesn’t have breasts, though. And I’ve not seen Kunle Afolayan’s breasts. Or Niyi Akinmolayan’s breasts. Or Kayode Kasum’s breasts. Maybe the problem has not been properly diagnosed.”
The backlash against AY has reignited debates on gender dynamics in Nollywood and the challenges faced by actors, regardless of gender. The controversy has also put a spotlight on how filmmakers and actors approach promoting their work, especially in a competitive industry like Nollywood.
