Nollywood is no stranger to drama. In fact, drama is its lifeblood. But sometimes, the real theatrics don’t happen on screen. They happen behind the scenes, when tempers flare, boundaries are crossed, and the line between character and actor gets dangerously blurry.
While the industry has long been plagued with allegations of egos and power plays, a few moments stand out because they moved beyond words into real physical assault. These incidents were caught on camera, documented by crew, or confirmed by industry bodies. Below are five cases of actors whose actions on set (or in a film context) sparked outrage, halted production, or left fellow colleagues in pain, both physically and professionally.
1. Femi Branch – The Slap That Shut Down an Entire Set (June 2025)
Veteran actor Femi Branch, known for his commanding presence in Yoruba and English-language films, made headlines in June 2025. It wasn’t for a gripping performance, but for reportedly slapping a crew member, said to be the film’s assistant director.
According to eyewitness accounts and multiple online videos, the altercation occurred in the middle of filming. Tensions had reportedly been simmering between the actor and the crew over undisclosed disagreements, and things took a shocking turn when Branch lost his temper. In response, the crew did something rarely seen in Nollywood, they took collective action.
In a dramatic but peaceful protest, the entire crew barred Femi Branch from leaving the location. They physically locked the gate and surrounded his vehicle, insisting that he address the issue before being allowed to leave. It was a move that drew massive attention online, as video clips of the confrontation went viral, triggering conversations about professionalism and actor privilege on set.
While a verbal apology was reportedly made on set, no public apology has been issued by the actor as of the time of writing, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has yet to release an official statement. But the message was clear: crew lives matter, and even big names can be held accountable—at least on set.
2. Zubby Michael – When ‘Action’ Became Actual Violence (May 2025)
If there’s one actor who thrives on intensity, it’s Zubby Michael. Known for his fast-paced delivery and aggressive on-screen persona, Zubby has built a brand around playing the tough guy. But in May 2025, fans began to wonder if he had taken his movie roles a little too seriously.
During a film shoot, Zubby was accused of kicking fellow actor Godwin Nnadiekwe in the chest—not as part of the script, but spontaneously, during a take gone wrong. The impact was so severe that Godwin reportedly suffered internal injuries and had to be rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.
The incident sparked immediate outrage. Unlike typical set squabbles, this was a full-on physical blow that caused medical harm. The AGN didn’t waste time: its president, Emeka Rollas, confirmed that a formal investigation had been launched and that both parties would be contacted for statements. He emphasized that the Guild “does not condone violence on any level” and that actors should learn to control their emotions, no matter the scene.
Fans and fellow actors were split. Some called for Zubby’s suspension, while others defended him, saying he was “in character” and didn’t mean to cause harm. But one thing was clear: when fiction causes real injuries, it’s no longer just a movie.
3. Laide Bakare vs. Eniola Badmus – Physical Scuffle at the Owambe Thieves Premiere (April 2025)
Not all physical altercations happen on set—some unfold right on the red carpet. In April 2025, at the star-studded premiere of Owambe Thieves, an unexpected scene stole the spotlight. As guests arrived and cameras rolled, Laide Bakare was seen in a viral video physically confronting Eniola Badmus, repeatedly hitting her arm as Eniola attempted to walk away from a verbal altercation.
The context of their beef remains unclear, though many speculated it stemmed from a long-standing personal or professional disagreement. But what made this moment stand out was the setting: it wasn’t just any event, it was a film premiere attended by media, fans, and colleagues. The clip spread like wildfire, and social media users were quick to condemn Laide’s behavior as “uncalled for,” “unprofessional,” and “outright violent.”
Neither actress has officially addressed the incident in detail, and no guild has issued a public statement. Still, the damage was done. What should have been a celebration of Nollywood excellence turned into a case study in how not to behave in public, especially in the age of viral videos.
4. Papa Show – Slap, Punch, and a Career on Pause (May 2023)
In the Yoruba movie scene, Olamilekan Shoneye, popularly known as Papa Show, was rising steadily through the ranks. But in May 2023, his career took a major hit, both literally and figuratively, after he was accused of physically assaulting actress Temidayo Morakinyo on set.
According to Temidayo, the altercation began when she called out Papa Show for being rude to members of the production crew. Instead of de-escalating the situation, Papa Show allegedly slapped her and punched her in the mouth, causing her lips to bleed. A visibly shaken Temidayo later took to social media to show her injuries and speak out about the toxic masculinity she experienced on set.
The public outcry was swift. Her colleagues rallied around her, and AFRIMEK (African Men Entertainment Kings)—a professional body Papa Show belonged to—issued a statement condemning his actions and suspended him indefinitely. The body also took responsibility for Temidayo’s medical care, a rare but commendable step in an industry that often brushes such issues under the rug.
Although Papa Show publicly apologized for his actions months after, the situation remains a painful reminder that ego and aggression have no place in professional spaces, especially in an industry where female actors are already navigating deeply unequal power structures.
5. Diwa Ishaya – When a Slap Went Too Far (December 2017)
Unlike the others on this list, this final incident wasn’t born out of rage, but it still left a mark. During a 2017 film shoot, up-and-coming actress Diwa Ishaya reportedly slapped a male co-star too hard during a take, leading to real physical pain. While the slap was part of the scene, the force wasn’t.
The male actor reportedly had to take the rest of the day off due to swelling and pain, and filming was temporarily suspended. Diwa later confirmed it was an honest mistake, saying she had gotten too caught up in the moment. The director reportedly advised more rehearsal before intense scenes moving forward.
Though no formal action was taken against her, the case is still notable because it shows that even unintentional actions can have consequences, especially in an industry where stunts are often performed without doubles, safety protocols, or rehearsals.
Conclusion:
These five incidents, ranging from unprovoked assaults to accidents, shows extra caution should be taken.
In other parts of the world, film unions, actor safety reps, and production insurance policies help prevent such incidents or manage them swiftly when they occur. In Nollywood, though, much of the industry still operates on informal structures, where seniority trumps accountability, and crew members have little protection.
Until Nollywood adopts strict codes of conduct, mandatory stunt coordination, and real consequences for on-set violence, we may keep seeing headlines like these, unwritten scripts of rage and regret playing out where they shouldn’t.
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