AGN Suspends Actress Shirley Igwe Over Crew Assault Scandal

The Nigerian film industry is once again making headlines as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) stands firmly against misconduct. Popular Nollywood actress Shirley Igwe has been suspended indefinitely due to allegations of assaulting a crew member on the set of a movie.

This situation has sparked a lot of reactions and discussions about professionalism and accountability in the entertainment world.

AGN’s Decision: A Quick Response to Misconduct

The AGN announced Igwe’s suspension in an official statement from its National President, Emeka Rollas. This decision followed initial investigations that suggested Igwe had slapped a member of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) during a film shoot in Lagos.

The AGN described her behavior as “violent and indisciplined,” stressing that such actions can damage the reputation of the acting profession. The guild’s statement also instructed members to steer clear of collaborating with Igwe on any projects until further notice.

The Incident That Led to the Suspension

Reports say the altercation happened during a tense moment on set, where Igwe allegedly attacked the crew member. Although the exact reason for the dispute isn’t clear, eyewitnesses noted that things escalated quickly, disrupting the production.

This isn’t the first instance of the AGN taking disciplinary actions against an actor. In October 2024, Halima Abubakar was suspended for defaming her colleagues, making Igwe the second well-known actress to face sanctions in under a year.

The suspension has received mixed reactions. Some industry insiders praised the AGN’s decision, seeing it as a vital step to maintain discipline. One producer, who preferred to remain anonymous, remarked:

“It’s unfortunate, but the Guild needs to show that actions have consequences. These sets are workplaces, and everyone deserves to feel safe.”

On the flip side, some fans are calling for a fair hearing, urging people not to jump to conclusions before all the facts come to light. One social media user stated:

“Let’s not crucify Shirley just yet. We should wait for the full story before we pass judgment.”