Popular Nollywood actor Femi Branch has found himself at the centre of controversy following an alleged assault on a crew member during a recent film shoot. According to viral reports and video footage posted by Linda Ikeji’s Blog, the actor allegedly slapped a member of the production crew, leading to a dramatic escalation on set.
The incident reportedly took place during the filming of a Nollywood project, though the exact location and title of the production have not been disclosed. Eyewitness accounts claim that the actor’s outburst triggered immediate backlash from fellow crew members who stopped filming in protest and locked the set gates to prevent Branch from leaving the premises.
In the video shared on Instagram by @lindaikejiblogofficial, tensions were visibly high as production staff surrounded the actor, demanding accountability before filming could resume. The footage does not capture the exact moment of the alleged slap, but voices in the background can be heard expressing outrage over what they described as “unprofessional conduct.”
The viral incident has since sparked heated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the broader issue of how actors treat technical crews behind the scenes. Some users on Linda Ikeji’s blog comment section condemned the alleged assault, with one commenter stating, “You dey slap pesin, na your house help?” Others called for disciplinary action, urging production companies to protect the dignity and safety of crew members.
Another comment read: “These celebs treat crew like trash… it’s a team effort, not a one-man show.” A few fans, however, stood in support of Femi Branch, suggesting the crew member may have been rude and provoked the reaction.
Femi Branch, a veteran in the Nigerian film industry with credits in dozens of Nollywood films, is yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegation. Calls to his media team for clarification have so far gone unanswered.
This episode comes amid rising calls for better workplace conduct standards within Nollywood. Industry insiders argue that despite the glamor and commercial growth of Nigeria’s film industry, working conditions for behind-the-scenes staff remain largely unregulated, with frequent reports of verbal abuse, long hours, and poor treatment.
An anonymous crew member who spoke to this publication stated, “This isn’t the first time something like this is happening on a Nollywood set. Most crew members don’t speak up because they fear being blacklisted or losing future work.”
The incident has also reignited the conversation about power dynamics in the industry. Critics argue that the absence of strong industry unions or regulatory bodies has allowed repeated misconduct by high-profile figures to go unchecked.
Legal experts say that if the alleged slap is confirmed, it could constitute assault under Nigerian law, potentially resulting in legal action. However, whether the victim will pursue charges remains unclear at this time.
As the story continues to unfold, Nollywood stakeholders and human rights advocates are urging both the film industry and regulatory agencies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to take the matter seriously and put measures in place to curb unprofessional behavior on set.
Meanwhile, fans and followers await an official response from Femi Branch or the production house involved, as the video continues to trend across social platforms.