Veteran actress Jumoke George has bravely spoken out about her 14-year hiatus from Nollywood, revealing a disturbing tale of discrimination and harassment. In a candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, George shared how industry executives constantly questioned her dark skin tone, suggesting she bleach it to appear lighter.
Their criticism didn’t stop at her appearance; George faced intense pressure to trade sex for roles. She stood firm, refusing to compromise her values. “I won’t bleach my skin or trade favors. I’ll glow with this skin till old age. Black doesn’t crack.”
The consequences of saying no were severe. George endured a three-year drought in acting roles, with over 20-30 executives persistently pressuring her. The situation worsened when she discovered a group of directors had blacklisted her for refusing their advances.
A heart-wrenching encounter with a director confirmed George’s suspicions. “He asked what benefits I gained from refusing their advances. I broke down in tears.” This pivotal moment led George to seek solace in prayer, reevaluating her place in the industry.
Now, George has returned to Nollywood, determined to make a difference. Her story sheds light on the industry’s lingering issues with harassment and discrimination, inspiring change and promoting a more inclusive environment for all.
