Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has spoken out against the growing culture of attending parties and events without invitations, describing the practice as rude, disrespectful, and lacking in self-respect.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress addressed what she described as a long-standing problem that continues to happen at social gatherings.
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Henshaw criticised not only those who attend events uninvited, but also individuals who receive invitations meant for only one person and then proceed to invite several others without informing the host.
According to her, such behaviour places unnecessary pressure on organisers and shows little regard for the planning and resources that go into hosting an event.
The actress questioned the motive behind gatecrashing and wondered what people hoped to achieve by forcing themselves into spaces where they were not invited.
“I want to talk about something rampant, has been rampant, and is still rampant,” Henshaw said in the video.
“I just want to ask those of you who show up uninvited at events and parties, what’s your purpose? What do you aim to achieve?”
She went on to call out people who receive a card or invitation clearly meant for one person but decide to bring along friends, relatives, or associates without first seeking permission from the host.
According to Henshaw, some people behave as though an invitation gives them the right to attend with as many people as they choose.
“Then, those of you who receive a card that admits only one person and invite all your village people, don’t check with the host; you pack your people and come. What are you doing there?” she asked.
The actress stressed that event invitations are often carefully planned.
From weddings and birthdays to movie premieres and corporate gatherings, hosts usually prepare based on the number of guests.
This includes making arrangements for food, seating, security, logistics, and accommodation.
When extra people attend without notice, it can create confusion and inconvenience for everyone involved.
Henshaw said many people fail to understand how much effort, money, and planning go into organising a successful event.
For this reason, she argued that people should learn to respect boundaries and avoid turning up where they have not been invited.
“Why don’t you respect yourself and stay away? It’s rude, you’re a gate crasher,” she said.
The actress added that self-respect should stop people from forcing their way into events.
According to her, there is dignity in staying away from places where one is not welcome.
“Respect yourself enough to stay away from places you aren’t invited to,” she said.
Henshaw’s comments have since generated conversations on social media, with many Nigerians agreeing with her stance.
Several users shared their own experiences with uninvited guests at weddings, parties, and family functions.
Some recounted situations where food finished unexpectedly, chairs became insufficient, or venues became overcrowded because extra people showed up without notice.
Others said the issue is especially common in Nigeria, where some people feel entitled to attend social events even when they are not invited.
Several social media users also criticised the culture of “plus one abuse,” where guests assume they can bring additional people without asking the organiser.
According to them, while some invitations specifically allow guests to come with another person, many do not.
Therefore, taking extra people along without permission is disrespectful.
Some users noted that the problem often becomes worse at celebrity events, weddings and high-profile parties, where people sometimes attend simply to be seen or to take photos for social media.
Others argued that some individuals use connections or familiarity with one guest as an excuse to gain access to events.
However, supporters of Henshaw’s message said none of these reasons justifies gatecrashing.
They insisted that hosts have the right to decide who attends their events and how many people they can accommodate.
A few people, however, suggested that poor communication by event organisers can sometimes contribute to misunderstandings.
According to them, some invitation cards are not clear enough about whether guests are allowed to bring others.
Even so, many agreed that the polite thing to do is to ask the host before showing up with additional people.
Kate Henshaw is known for speaking openly on social issues and matters of public behaviour.
Over the years, the actress has repeatedly used her platform to address issues ranging from politics and governance to social etiquette and personal responsibility.
Her latest remarks have once again drawn attention to the need for courtesy, respect and proper conduct in social settings.
For many Nigerians, her message serves as a reminder that being invited to an event is a privilege, not a right, and that respecting the wishes of hosts is an important part of basic manners.
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