Oluwatosin Enesi
Famous Nigerian actor, Femi Branch, has come under fire following an alleged altercation on a movie set, where he was accused of physically assaulting a crew member.
A video circulating online shows the moment Branch was reportedly prevented from leaving the set after tensions escalated during a shoot. The incident is said to have occurred between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM on the eighth day of a nine-day filming schedule.
According to multiple accounts from the set, the confrontation began during a routine camera setup involving two camera units. While the Assistant Director (AD) and Director of Photography (DP) were adjusting the second camera, the Director began rolling on the first unit without prior notification to key crew members.
“I was hitting the door for them to open because the DP wanted to go out and confirm the frame,” the affected crew member recounted. “When Femi Branch shouted they were filming, I asked what they were filming since the DP and AD were still inside.”
Eyewitnesses say the disagreement quickly escalated. Branch allegedly insulted the Assistant Director, questioning his authority and eventually resorting to physical violence.
“He flared up, asking who I was to talk back at him,” the crew member claimed. “As he came inside shouting at me, I told him he couldn’t intimidate me. That was when he hit me.”
The incident reportedly shocked other crew members, who halted the production in protest. Filming resumed briefly at a new location, the Lekki Conservation Centre, but was soon brought to a standstill again after Branch allegedly refused to apologise for his actions.
“When he arrived at the new location and was asked to apologise, he refused and attempted to leave,” the AD said. “The crew locked the gate to prevent him from leaving.”
The production team has since issued a public call-out against the actor, citing the need to stand against workplace abuse.
“As a community, we are making this an official call-out of Femi Branch, who slapped a crew member on set in front of witnesses, with evidence to back it,” part of the statement read. “We will not stay silent, silence protects abusers.”
As of the time of this report, Femi Branch has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Our Reporter
