Ayo Makun, a popular Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, has addressed and dismissed rumors that he was throwing subtle jabs at his female counterparts in the industry, including notable actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, among others.
Naijatraffic has gathered that Ayo Makun, also known as Ay, recently expressed his frustration over the lack of support from his colleagues in the film industry, particularly from men, following the release of his movie, The Waiter.
Ay lamented that men tend to only support women, citing that they prioritize those with physical attributes, while overlooking the hard work and dedication of their male counterparts.
He boasted about being one of the few men still actively pursuing a career in filmmaking, and vowed to continue promoting his own movie.
However, his comments were misconstrued as a subtle attack on his successful female colleagues, such as Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, who have been achieving great success at the box office.
AY has taken to his Instagram page to clarify the misunderstanding surrounding his previous post, making it clear that his comments were not directed at his female colleagues, such as Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, who have consistently supported and encouraged him.
Instead, he revealed that his post was actually targeted at men who tend to favor supporting women over their own gender.
AY emphasized the importance of male camaraderie, highlighting how men can uplift and support each other, fostering a sense of brotherhood that promotes emotional and mental growth.
“Taking people’s points out of context is always easy and good for content in the social media space.
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 unforeseen 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 a 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.
THE WAITER IS SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE”.