There is a brewing clash between veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu and media personality Yeni Kuti over comments about young aspiring actresses’ choice of attire at auditions.
The disagreement began after Ngozi condemned the dressing of some female hopefuls, while Yeni publicly criticised her stance.
Yeni took issue with Ngozi’s remarks, noting that it was not her place to judge the young ladies. She suggested the veteran actress may have made similar choices in her youth and accused older generations of forgetting their own pasts.
“It wasn’t any of her business. All she had to do was reject them, that’s all,” Yeni said. “We older people tend to forget what we did in our youthful days.”
Known for her strong opinion, Yeni, the first daughter of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is unafraid of controversy and defended her view with characteristic boldness.
Ngozi Ezeonu, widely regarded for her roles in Nollywood classics such as Glamour Girls and Living in Bondage, had earlier reprimanded aspiring actresses during an audition held in Lagos. She criticised their outfits, describing them as inappropriate and unprofessional, and warned that such appearances tarnish the image of Nollywood.
“Any day I’m on any audition table and anyone comes to me dressed like this, I will disqualify that person,” Ngozi said.
She questioned their intent, asking, “Who are you trying to impress?” and added, “That’s why people see us as unserious. I’m a serious-minded actor; you can’t catch me dressed like this, even when I was your age.”
The conflicting viewpoints sparked reactions on social media. Supporters of Ngozi argue that her comments highlight the need for professionalism in Nollywood, while others agreed with Yeni, advocating for less judgmental attitudes and greater understanding of generational differences.
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