Nigerian actress Olajumoke Amoke Olatunde George, widely known as Jumoke George, recently opened up about her 14-year absence from the film industry, attributing her hiatus to experiences of sexual demands and discrimination based on her dark skin tone.
In a candid interview on a TV show, Jumoke revealed that movie directors often pressured her to alter her appearance, suggesting she lighten her complexion. Despite these pressures, she remained resolute.
"They complained I was too dark, and I would tell them to adjust the lighting," she said. “I’ll glow with this skin till old age—black doesn’t crack.”
Jumoke shared that she faced even greater challenges due to her unwillingness to comply with directors’ advances, recalling a moment when a director openly admitted that she had been blacklisted for refusing to engage in relationships.
“The pressure was immense, coming from over 20 to 30 people,”
Jumoke recounted. She explained that if an actress dated one executive and later moved on, her reputation would be widely discussed.
"I told myself that as long as God exists, I would avoid such situations.”
Her career took a downturn as directors ceased offering her roles, leading to a three-year period without any work. A memorable encounter with a director highlighted her predicament; he revealed that directors collectively decided to withhold roles from her because she refused their advances.
“He asked me what benefit I gained from refusing. I started crying, and he walked away. When I got home, I prayed to God to take control.”
Jumoke George, who has since made a strong comeback, continues to act in both Yoruba and English films. She is also a seasoned television host in Nigeria, advocating for integrity and self-respect in the industry.
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