AY bites back at critics slamming him for saying he’s disappointed over lack of support from male colleagues in Nollywood

Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known in entertainment circles as AY, has taken to his social media account to bite back at critics slamming him for expressing disappointment over a lack of support from male colleagues in Nollywood.

Recall that the humour merchant, in a post shared on his X page (formerly Twitter), said that he works so hard to stay relevant and take care of his responsibilities without any support.

AY, reacting on the backdrop of the release of his movie ‘The Waiter,’ bemoaned that males only ever support female artistes in the movie industry, suggesting that they (men) only ever value looks more than skill and effort.

AY explained that his initial statement was not meant to insult the hardworking women in the industry, who he said had always received his support, in response to the backlash that followed his social media post.

In addition to expressing irritation with performers promoting other projects while ignoring their responsibilities to his production, despite having signed contracts, he underlined the importance of male support and camaraderie within the profession.

He wrote, “Taking people’s point out of context is always easy and good for content in the social media space.

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“And i repeat, “WEY TIN MAN DO MAN?” Begging your fellow male actors to join you in promoting your film shouldn’t be a big deal. Especially when i have always positioned myself to do the same for everyone. Do you know how frustrating it is to pay actors who end up promoting other films and abandoning the one that they are in… EVEN with signed contracts?

“My last tweet has nothing to do with the hardworking women who are winning in the industry as they all have my direct support and encouragement to date. In our journey towards a more equitable and compassionate society, it’s crucial to recognize that support must extend across all genders, MEN SHOULD ALSO SUPPORT MEN.

“I can’t be judged for coming out to say my mind. Too often, societal expectations dictate how men should behave—stoic, strong, and self-reliant. Being quiet as men when we face challenges and struggles is the reason why many of us die before our time. If i say to you that i have a good film that demands the support of my fellow men, kindly join me in fostering an environment where i can feel empowered to share my vulnerabilities, fears, and challenges, that will break down unforseen barriers.

“The women in the business are my friends, and nothing has changed. Asking for help from my colleagues directly or indirectly should be seen as strength, not a weakness. When men support each other, we cultivate brotherhood that uplifts everyone, allowing us to grow emotionally and mentally just the way @basketmouth and i are doing at the moment.

“Let’s commit to being allies to one another. Let’s show up, listen, and support each other with the same fervor we extend to women. Together, we can redefine what it means to be strong and create a community where every man feels valued and heard”.

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