In response to rumors that he was involved in BamBam’s marital problems, Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe told the BBC what he asked her prior to recording intimate scenes for Love in Every Word.
Following the success of Love in Every Word Parts 1 and 2, Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe addressed the circulating rumors tying him to actress and reality TV star BamBam, refuting the notion that their on-screen chemistry extended beyond the set.
In a recent appearance on the BBC (Igbo), Arukwe gave an honest description of how he tackled his part alongside BamBam, stating that their working relationship was defined from the beginning by professionalism rather than the numerous rumors circulating about their connection off-set.
“Before I touched her, I asked her if there was any way I could touch her that her husband wouldn’t like or that might cause problems at home. That movie was the first time I had ever met her. But people started saying we slept together and were dating, which was completely false,” he said.
He went on to say that his only responsibility as an actor is to make the role realistic, nothing more or less.
The explanation coincides with rumors that BamBam’s marriage has been strained, with some Nigerian internet users blaming her Love in Every Word co-star. The intimate scenes in the movie, which the two portrayed convincingly enough to propel the project’s financial success, served as the catalyst for rumors that soon went beyond the screen.
That story is directly addressed in Arukwe’s BBC interview, which he has now categorically denied.
It is worthwhile to consider the implications of this whole situation for Nigerian audiences. The incapacity of an actor or actress to keep their personal life apart from their work is not a novel issue, but the propensity to blame a coworker for the dissolution of a marriage based solely on made-up acts done for a camera is concerning.
It’s also important to note that, although Arukwe’s natural desire to see how his co-star was doing was obviously well-intentioned, inquiring if her husband would feel at ease somewhat misses the mark. BamBam is a professional who chose to accept the position on her own initiative.
It is expected of actors to be convincing, and when they are, they shouldn’t be penalized. Arukwe and BamBam performed their duties admirably. That ought to be the start and finish of the discussion.
