Nigerian nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham supports fellow Actress Jemima Adelakun, who was rejected due to her facial scar.
The emerging actress, who is now recognized on X, on the micro-blogging site Twitter, became emotional and cried while sharing her experience of being turned down for a film role due to her facial scar.
She posted a picture of a WhatsApp conversation where a casting director told her that she was not suitable for a role she had auditioned for because of her scar. In the chat, the casting director acknowledged that she had performed well and was a great fit for the character, but they couldn’t give her the role because the character does not have a scar. The casting director expressed sadness that the actress had a scar because she would have been the ideal choice for the role.
“Hi Jemima, good morning. In response to your audition, we would have really loved to bring you as you passed the character and nailed the role I must say but I’m sorry the character doesn’t have a scar and hence we can’t put you on. I really wish your scar wasn’t there, you would have been our perfect pick. Do have a great day, Best wishes,” the text stated.
Jemima commented in her caption that the rejection was just one of the numerous humiliations she has endured. She expressed her weariness of constantly having to be strong and pleaded with casting directors to refrain from saying hurtful remarks to her.
“I’m tired of being strong and I’m just begging please if you don’t have nice words to say to me, let me be, especially to casting directors, I’m trying, I’m really trying, you guys don’t know what I’ve been through and it’s only fair if you are nice with your comments, it’s okay if you don’t wanna call me back.
“I totally understand if I go for auditions and I do not get call back, it doesn’t mean I am not good enough, that’s what I tell myself, it just means that they don’t see me in the role and that’s okay but scar shaming me, it’s not fair. Please I’m begging, it’s only worse”.
She further stated, “Before my scar, I’m human! A human being that has blood running in her veins. This is not a pity post, I am Just tired of being a strong girl! 29 years of my life I have done that! Not anymore please”.
Toyin Abraham expressed her support with her by sharing a video on her Instagram story, which has since been deleted. In the video, she strongly criticized her fellow colleagues for their discriminatory behavior. Additionally, she assured her, in the video that she would offer her a role in her upcoming movie project.
“It’s okay if you don’t have a role for her but shaming her it’s totally wrong. @jemimaslifestyle you are coming to the big screen this year, I love you so much and you are so beautiful.”
She expressed her affection for the rising star in a recent Instagram post, complimenting her as beautiful.
In a similar way, Habibat Jinad, an actress from the Yoruba community, shared an unforgettable incident involving her senior colleague, Mide Martins, who insulted her based on her skin color while they were working together on a film set.
Jinad alleged that Mide Martin made shameful comments about her body and refered her skin to that of a monkey, causing her to consider lightening her skin tone.
Additionally, actress Bakare Zainab shared an unforgettable incident involving her senior colleague, Bolanle Ninalowo, who refused to kiss her in a film because she wasn’t a well-known actress. She stated that his comment had a lasting impact on her and it continues to recall in her mind up till now.
