Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has spoken openly about her long-standing decision not to engage in kissing scenes in movies, describing it as a personal conviction rather than an act of pride or spiritual superiority.
The actress addressed the issue in a video that has since gone viral on social media, following persistent rumours within the film industry that she is difficult to work with or unwilling to collaborate with certain producers and directors.
According to Olayode, her boundaries on screen have often been misunderstood and, in some cases, misrepresented, leading to false assumptions about her character and professionalism.
She explained that her choice not to kiss in films, as well as her refusal to wear certain outfits for roles, is rooted in what she described as her personal consecration. She emphasized that the decision is a private one and does not place her above colleagues who make different creative choices.
“I don’t think I’m closer to God than anyone else,” she said, stressing that her convictions should not be interpreted as judgment or criticism of others in the industry.
Olayode revealed that these boundaries have occasionally caused friction on movie sets, particularly when production managers fail to clearly communicate her conditions to executive producers and directors. She noted that such breakdowns in communication have sometimes resulted in tension and strained working relationships.
Despite this, the actress made it clear that she remains open to collaboration and is not selective about the status of roles she accepts. She stated that she is willing to take on both major and minor parts, provided they align with her values and personal standards.
“I’m open to working with anyone,” she said, adding that her focus is on professionalism and mutual respect rather than hierarchy or star power.
Addressing claims that she deliberately avoids working with certain people, Olayode dismissed the allegations as untrue, explaining that her recent comments were aimed solely at correcting the narrative surrounding her career.
The actress also used the opportunity to call for greater understanding within the industry, urging filmmakers to respect individual boundaries just as they expect actors to respect creative direction.
Her comments have since sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans praised her for standing firm in her beliefs, others debated whether personal convictions should influence artistic expression. Nonetheless, many agreed that her decision reflects the broader conversation about consent, boundaries, and diversity of values within Nollywood.
Juliana Olayode’s clarification highlights the growing importance of open communication and mutual respect in the Nigerian film industry, as more actors continue to speak up about the conditions under which they are willing to work.
