Popular Nollywood actress, Jaiye Kuti, also known as Jayeola Monje, has addressed the significant backlash she faced for lambasting her senior colleagues who were begging fans for money.
Recently, veteran actors and actresses such as Iya Gbonkan, Lalude, Pariolodo, and Alapinni have gone public seeking financial assistance due to their worsening financial situations.
While many Nigerians came to their aid, Jaiye Kuti expressed her disappointment towards their actions.
In a post on her Instagram page, Jaiye Kuti criticized these veterans for resorting to begging for money online.
The renowned actress expressed concern about the negative impact this behavior has on the reputation of the Yoruba movie industry.
Jaiye Kuti pointed out that many of them failed to plan for their future and instead spent their earnings on short-lived pleasures.
However, she clarified that she is not against raising funds for health-related issues, but she is against tarnishing the image of the Yoruba film industry by begging for basic needs.
The video received mixed reactions online, with some supporting Jaiye Kuti for speaking the truth, while others condemned her for criticizing her senior colleagues.
Jaiye Kuti addresses the criticisms
In response to the criticisms, Jaiye Kuti stated that she does not object to ailing veterans seeking help. However, she is concerned about the rising trend of individuals taking advantage of these opportunities for their own selfish gains.
She said, “I am not just speaking without thinking. People misunderstand my message. I have read over 500 comments, and I am addressing those who didn’t grasp what I was saying.
I did not say we shouldn’t use social media to help people or that individuals should refrain from asking for help. My message is targeted at those who want to tarnish the industry’s reputation through begging.”
Jaiye Kuti also mentioned that she has used her social media platforms to seek help for people in need, and they have expressed gratitude for her assistance.
She added, “I am speaking to those who believe they are entitled to help just because others are receiving assistance from Nigerians. I advised two of those veterans not to beg for help publicly so that when they are in desperate need, they won’t lack supporters.
Only those who are genuinely sick should seek help. But those who are healthy should stop resorting to begging.”
Yomi Fabiyi condemns Jaiye Kuti for her comments on seasoned actors
A fellow actor, Yomi Fabiyi, expressed his disapproval of Jaiye Kuti’s statement.
He took to his Instagram page and criticized her, suggesting that if someone publicly asks for help, it should not be a bother to the actress.
Yomi added that if Jaiye Kuti cannot assist any of the struggling actors or those who are financially unstable, she should let them be.
“If anybody needs help and decides to make their plea public with their brand, name, and face, I don’t see why it should bother anyone. If you can’t find ways to recover the losses suffered by these veterans due to piracy and exploitation by capitalists, then let them catch their breath. We, the new millennium actors, may be a little luckier but not necessarily better…”
