The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has issued a strong condemnation of physical violence on film sets, directly responding to a viral incident involving producer/actress Peggy Ovire and actor Taye Arimoro.

The guild’s statement, signed by National President Emeka Rollas, described a “disturbing video and voice note” showing an actor being “brutally assaulted” by a producer and crew members.

The altercation, which occurred during a late-night shoot in Lagos, escalated when Arimoro attempted to leave after his contracted hours ended around midnight.

According to Arimoro’s account in a widely shared Instagram Live video, Ovire’s team blocked his vehicle, deflated his tyres, and physically attacked him, leaving visible injuries to his lips and gums.

Peggy Ovire, in her defence, posted on Instagram Stories, countered that Arimoro became aggressive first, assaulting her production manager and driver (who she claimed was left bleeding from the ear) after being asked to film “just two quick scenes.”

CCTV footage that surfaced online on November 13 has intensified the controversy, appearing to show Ovire and crew members surrounding Arimoro’s car in a heated exchange, with physical contact evident.

While the low-quality clip does not conclusively prove who initiated violence, it has fuelled public outrage.

In its official statement, the AGN said, “The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has expressed deep concern over a disturbing video and voice note currently trending online, showing an actor being brutally assaulted by a producer and members of her crew on a film set.

“As an association of professional performers, the AGN unequivocally condemns the inhumane and degrading treatment meted out to the actor.

“No actor, under any circumstances, should be subjected to physical assault, intimidation, or any form of abuse in the course of professional engagement. Such behaviour is not only unacceptable but also highly unethical and contrary to the standards and values of the Nigerian creative industry”.

The guild urged practitioners to resolve disputes “with decorum, respect, and through the appropriate professional channels” rather than “violence or self-help.”

“The Guild strongly advises all practitioners within the motion picture industry to embrace lawful and civil means of conflict resolution rather than resorting to violence or self-help. Disputes arising on set or within production circles must be handled with decorum, respect, and through the appropriate professional channels”, the statement continued.

It announced that Its National Task Force has launched a full investigation and called on the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to identify the involved producer and impose disciplinary measures.

“While the AGN’s National Task Force has already commenced a full investigation into the incident, the Guild is also calling on the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to urgently identify the producer involved and initiate appropriate disciplinary measures in line with their professional code of conduct.

“The Actors Guild of Nigeria remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all actors and shall continue to collaborate with sister guilds and associations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the Nigerian film industry”.

As of now, neither party has apologised publicly, nor has the AGN reaffirmed its commitment to protecting actors’ “welfare, dignity, and safety.” (The Nation)