Nigerian actress Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin, popularly known across the Yoruba film industry as Kemity, has forcefully denied long-standing rumors and social media claims suggesting that she traded sexual favors to secure her place in the entertainment industry. In a candid public statement, she clarified exactly how she earned Actress Kemity movie roles throughout her acting career.

Taking to her Instagram page for a “Throwback Thursday” post, the comic actress—who has built a massive following playing popular characters like “Sidi”—addressed what she brushed off as baseless “social media noise” regarding her rapid growth in Nollywood. She used the opportunity to set the record straight on her financial independence, her struggles on set, and her strict moral upbringing.

“Throwback Thursday, there is something I need to clear respectfully,” Kemity began in her post. “Nobody should let anyone deceive them because of social media noise. I have never used my body to collect a movie role. I have never slept with anyone to get featured in any film. I have never exchanged sex for opportunity.”

Financial Independence Before Fame

The issue of “sex for roles” has long been a controversial talking point within the Nigerian movie industry, with various upcoming stars alleging harassment by producers and directors. However, Kemity made it clear that her path was paved with legitimate hustle and personal financial investments long before she became a household name.

She explained that she was already financially stable before she stepped onto a movie set, relying on multiple streams of income to support her ambitions.

“Before I even met my boss, I already had two wine shops where I was selling wine,” she revealed. “I worked as a receptionist at Masters Hotel, Ayobo. From the beginning, I have always been an actress.”

The Harsh Reality of Nollywood Sets

Kemity also shed light on the harsh realities of early acting careers in Nigeria, noting that many upcoming actors are forced to fund their own survival while on location. The financial pressure of securing Actress Kemity movie roles eventually pushed her to temporarily step behind the camera to make ends meet.

“When I noticed that actors had to feed themselves and even pay for hotels to sleep during production, and I kept spending money from my shop, I decided to become part of the crew,” she explained. “That was when I chose makeup artistry. From acting to makeup, and back to acting, my growth has always been step by step. Nothing was handed to me.”

Motherhood and a Dignified Upbringing

Beyond her professional struggles, the mother of two emphasized that her family background and her current responsibilities as a parent make it impossible for her to compromise her integrity. Proudly identifying as “Omo iya ijo” (a child from a decent, church-going home), she credited her mother for raising her with strong moral values.

“I am a mother. I have two daughters I am raising and training with dignity and strong values. I cannot build their future on something dirty,” she wrote. “Everything I am today is my sweat. Everything I have achieved is hard work and God’s grace. I come from a decent home… My mother trained me well. Back then, I even surprised producers by giving my goods to help make movies.”

Reaffirming her bold stance against the industry rumors, she issued a direct challenge to any detractors: “My name is clean, Ariyo Oluwakemisola APESIN. No one, and I mean no one, can ever come out boldly to say I used my body to collect anything from him.”

Advice for Upcoming Actors

Kemity concluded her impassioned post with some words of encouragement for the next generation of Nollywood talent, warning them not to fall for the illusion that transactional sex is a requirement for success.

“Upcoming actresses, please do not let anyone mislead you,” she advised. “You can succeed with talent, discipline, consistency, and hard work.”

With her name cleared, Kemity continues to dominate screens with her unique comedic style and highly successful YouTube productions. Keep up with more celebrity news on Waves Times.