Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye has been captured in a viral video confronting a group of area boys who stormed her movie set to demand a so-called 'settlement.' The clip, shared on social media by user Usmanashafe on Thursday, shows Ademoye standing her ground as she challenges the men who insisted on receiving money for allowing her crew to film in their neighborhood.
Understanding the 'Settlement' Practice
In Lagos, 'settlement' is a common extortion tactic often used against film crews shooting in public or community spaces. It involves local thugs demanding payment, ostensibly for permission to work in the area. This practice has long plagued Nollywood productions, forcing many to either pay up or face disruptions.
Ademoye's Defiant Response
In the video, a visibly angry Bimbo Ademoye addresses the thugs directly. She declares that while she has no issue giving money to 'settle boys' when approached respectfully, she will not tolerate being ordered to pay a specific amount. 'I am a street girl, let me tell you. Ask around, when it comes to matters of the street, I like settling boys. But you don’t come to me and tell me to give you a certain amount,' she asserts.
When one of the men retorts that he did not come to beg, Ademoye quickly corrects him: 'Yes, you came to beg. You are even being proud of it.' The confrontation escalates when a thug threatens to switch off her camera. Undeterred, Ademoye fires back, 'Camera that nobody in your generation has.'
Reactions and Implications
The video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising Ademoye's courage in standing up to the extortionists. Others have called for stricter measures to protect film crews from such harassment. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nollywood professionals in Lagos, where 'settlement' remains a persistent issue.
Ademoye, known for her roles in popular Nollywood films, has earned a reputation for being outspoken. Her handling of this situation has further cemented her status as a fearless figure in the industry.
