Nollywood actor Femi Branch has come under fire following claims that he assaulted a First Assistant Director (1st A.D) during a film shoot at an undisclosed location.
According to a statement released by the National Film Crew Community (NFCC) on Friday, the incident unfolded on Wednesday after the 1st A.D questioned why filming had begun without the presence of both the Assistant Director and the Director of Photography.
In response, Branch allegedly insulted and slapped the 1st A.D.
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The altercation reportedly prompted the rest of the crew to halt production in solidarity with their colleague. Femi Branch then attempted to leave the location but was prevented from doing so until he issued an apology.
The situation calmed only after the actor apologised, and filming resumed under the leadership of the assaulted crew member.
A video of the actor’s attempt to exit the location has since surfaced online, showing a confrontation between Branch and a senior crew member, believed to be the director. In the clip, the actor is seen heading toward his car while being challenged by the director.
Defending himself, Branch claimed the director had lost control of the set and also threatened to report a security guard who refused to let him through the estate’s gate.
“I respect them. I don’t relate to them as my juniors. I’m one of the people that fight for crew members and the way crew members are treated. Ask anybody in Nollywood,” Branch was heard saying to a man near the estate gate.
In its statement, the NFCC applauded the crew’s response to the alleged incident, praising their unity and professionalism.
“We commend the entire production crew for standing firmly against violence and upholding respect and integrity on set,” the body noted.
