Renowned Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has escalated her criticism of colleague Frederick Leonard with shocking new allegations of misconduct on a movie set, specifically detailing an incident involving a female script supervisor. The accusations have sent ripples through Nigeria’s film industry, raising serious questions about workplace conduct and power dynamics on film sets.
The latest revelation comes days after Idemudia’s initial public confrontation with Leonard over his alleged mistreatment of crew members, which resulted in him blocking her on Instagram. Her new allegations paint a disturbing picture of an incident where Leonard reportedly used a script supervisor’s clothing to wipe his sweat without consent, then demanded her removal from set while declaring himself a “God.
According to Idemudia’s detailed account shared on her Instagram page, the situation was only contained thanks to the intervention of the project’s director, who stood firm against Leonard’s demands for the crew member’s dismissal. Particularly notable in her account is the presence of Leonard’s father during the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the alleged misconduct.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion about workplace harassment and professional conduct in Nollywood, with many industry insiders privately sharing their own experiences of similar behavior. The incident highlights the often-overlooked power dynamics between actors and crew members in Nigeria’s film industry, where support staff frequently face challenging working conditions.
Idemudia’s decision to make these allegations public marks a significant moment in Nollywood’s ongoing conversation about workplace culture and professional standards. Her detailed account of the incident, including the director’s intervention and Leonard’s reported failure to apologize, provides a rare window into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of film production in Nigeria.
The accusations are particularly damaging given their specific nature and Idemudia’s reputation for speaking out against industry misconduct. Her reference to Leonard’s self-proclamation as a “God” has struck a chord with many in the industry, who view it as symptomatic of a broader issue of ego and entitlement among some established actors.
The involvement of a script supervisor in this incident has drawn attention to the often-overlooked role of technical crew members in film production. These essential team members, who ensure continuity and maintain the integrity of the script during shooting, frequently work under challenging conditions with little recognition or protection from misconduct.
Industry observers note that this public confrontation could mark a turning point in how such behavior is addressed within Nollywood. The director’s reported intervention in defending the script supervisor represents a positive example of leadership in protecting crew members from inappropriate treatment, though the alleged lack of an apology from Leonard suggests there’s still progress to be made.
The timing of these allegations coincides with broader discussions about workplace respect and professionalism in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Idemudia’s decision to speak out publicly, despite potential professional consequences, demonstrates a growing willingness to challenge established power structures within the industry.
As the story continues to develop, questions arise about the long-term implications for both parties involved. Leonard’s silence on the matter has been notable, while support for Idemudia’s stance appears to be growing among industry professionals and fans alike. The incident has prompted calls for more formal protocols to protect crew members and establish clear standards of professional conduct on film sets.
The controversy highlights the need for structural changes within Nollywood to prevent such incidents and protect all industry workers, regardless of their role or status. As the industry continues to gain international recognition, maintaining professional standards and protecting worker dignity becomes increasingly crucial for its sustained growth and development.
