Veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch found himself at the centre of controversy after he was reportedly prevented from leaving a movie location for allegedly slapping a crew member.
A video of the incident, which surfaced on social media and has since gone viral, shows Branch being blocked at the exit gate of the movie set.
Security personnel and some of the film crew, including colleagues of the assaulted assistant director, formed a human barricade, insisting that he must return to complete the shoot.
Altercation turns ugly
The confrontation appeared heated. Voices in the background could be heard shouting, “You can’t leave here until you go back to finish the remaining shooting.” The situation escalated when the actor exchanged harsh words with the film’s director.
In the video, Branch confronted the director, saying angrily, “Did I have business with you? Are you the one that called me on this set? Did you bring me here to insult me, or what is the meaning of this?”
Attempting to calm the situation, the director responded, “Hello, sir, can we just start the filming?”
But Branch snapped, “Please don’t talk to me. You don’t have control of your set.”
The director, however, held his ground, reminding the actor of his conduct. “You are insulting someone on my set. Did I not even tell you it was enough during the altercation? I don’t necessarily have to talk to you. Let’s just shoot this film and go. You slapped somebody on my set. Was I not the one you slapped? Oga, no problem. You have done your own.”
Tensions flare as Branch reacts to security
As tensions grew, Branch directed his anger at the security team guarding the location’s gate. He accused them of unlawful confinement and vowed to report them to the estate authorities.
“You people are blocking me from driving out, right?” he asked. “I swear to God, I will report you to the management for locking me inside your estate. You must explain your business with our location.”
Despite his threats, the security guards refused to let him go, siding with the crew who demanded accountability.
Background on the incident
Details leading up to the confrontation remain unclear, but insiders claim the dispute began over a disagreement during the shoot. The assistant director, who was reportedly slapped by Branch, was said to have corrected the actor on a particular scene. The correction allegedly sparked Branch’s anger, leading to the altercation.
Although there is no official statement yet from the film’s producers or the actor himself, industry sources suggest disciplinary action could follow, especially as the footage continues to stir reactions online.
Reactions from the public
The incident has generated a wave of mixed responses on social media. Some fans have criticised Branch for allegedly assaulting a crew member, calling his behaviour unprofessional and unacceptable. Others urged caution, asking for the full story before jumping to conclusions.
One Twitter user wrote, “Regardless of who’s right or wrong, slapping a crew member is crossing the line. Femi Branch should know better.”
Another commented, “We don’t know what led to the argument. Let’s hear from both sides.”
Possible consequences
Nollywood insiders warn that the outcome of this incident could affect Branch’s reputation in the industry. Some producers may now hesitate to work with him until the matter is fully resolved.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is yet to release an official comment, but if the allegations are confirmed, disciplinary measures may be considered.
Final words
As the video continues to make the rounds, many in the industry are watching to see how the situation unfolds. Whether the issue is resolved quietly or leads to formal action, the incident serves as a reminder of the high tensions that can sometimes arise behind the scenes of Nollywood’s booming film industry.
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