Prominent Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard faces mounting criticism as movie producer Stanley Ajemba Nwoko, known professionally as Stanley Ontop, adds his voice to recent allegations regarding the actor’s treatment of film crew members. This development follows actress Etinosa Idemudia’s public criticism of Leonard’s on-set behavior.
Stanley Ontop’s accusations paint a picture of an actor who allegedly displays problematic behavior toward production staff, particularly targeting props and costume department members. The producer claims Leonard’s actions stem from an inflated sense of self-importance, describing him as someone who “sees himself as the most handsome and God of Nollywood.”
The controversy deepened when Stanley revealed that Leonard had allegedly threatened to abandon productions that included Stanley among the crew, forcing producers to choose between them. This revelation suggests a pattern of behavior that extends beyond simple personality conflicts to potentially affecting professional relationships and production schedules within the industry.
These latest allegations gain additional weight when considered alongside Stanley’s previous criticisms from May 2023, where he accused Leonard of bullying crew members and harboring an excessive competitive spirit regarding his acting status in Nollywood. The producer’s repeated public statements about Leonard’s behavior indicate a long-standing concern within the industry.
Etinosa Idemudia’s initial post, which sparked this renewed discussion, highlighted Leonard’s apparent response to criticism – blocking those who confront him about his behavior. She emphasized the humanity of crew members, condemning Leonard’s alleged treatment of them while criticizing what she described as contradictory public relations efforts to maintain a positive image.
The situation reveals broader issues within Nollywood regarding power dynamics between actors and crew members. Stanley’s advocacy for crew rights, emphasized by his statement “crew lines matters,” points to ongoing tensions between on-screen talent and the essential behind-the-scenes workers who make productions possible.
Industry observers note that such public confrontations are relatively rare in Nollywood, making these allegations particularly significant. The willingness of both a producer and an actress to publicly challenge a prominent actor suggests growing industry intolerance for alleged misconduct, regardless of star status.
The controversy has sparked discussions about workplace culture in Nollywood, with some industry professionals calling for better protection of crew members’ rights and more professional behavior standards. The situation highlights the often-overlooked role of production crew members and their right to respectful treatment in the workplace.
Stanley’s declaration that he’s “waiting for Fred to slap any of my members” suggests ongoing tension and potential future confrontations, raising concerns about the professional environment on Nollywood sets. His statement also implies a readiness to take legal action if physical boundaries are crossed.
The repeated nature of these allegations, spanning multiple incidents and corroborated by different industry professionals, has led to increased scrutiny of on-set behavior in Nigerian cinema. This situation may catalyze broader discussions about professional conduct and workplace respect within the entertainment industry.
As this story continues to develop, it raises questions about accountability in Nollywood and the potential need for formal mechanisms to address workplace behavior complaints. The public nature of these allegations might prompt industry leaders to consider implementing more structured guidelines for on-set conduct and conflict resolution.
The controversy also underscores the power of social media in bringing industry issues to public attention, as both Stanley and Etinosa chose Instagram as their platform for addressing these concerns. This public airing of grievances reflects changing dynamics in how industry disputes are handled and resolved in the age of social media.
