Nollywood actress Miriam Ogbonna has defended her controversial call for better pay for sex workers in Nigeria, insisting that her remarks were aimed at exposing societal hypocrisy rather than endorsing prostitution.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Ogbonna said her comments reflect an uncomfortable reality many Nigerians prefer to ignore—public condemnation of prostitution often contrasts sharply with private patronage.
According to her, the persistence of the practice is largely driven by demand, which critics fail to acknowledge.
“As much as we frown at certain things, it won’t make them stop. If there is no patronage, these girls will find other means of livelihood. But when people criticise them publicly while secretly supporting them, what is the point?” she said.
Ogbonna maintained that her statement was intended to spotlight what she described as double standards in society’s moral stance.
She argued that as long as the demand for sex work continues, those involved should not be exploited.
“My message was simply to call out hypocrisy. Since some men won’t stop patronising them, they might as well pay them well, because their job is not an easy one,” she added.
The actress also addressed the wave of criticism that trailed her comments, noting that while the reactions were intense, they were not entirely unexpected.
She described social media as a space where many individuals portray false moral superiority.
“Social media is filled with self-righteous people who do the worst things in the dark. Everyone claims to be a saint online,” she said.
Beyond the controversy, Ogbonna opened up about her work in Nollywood, revealing that she successfully balances acting with scriptwriting.
While she expressed a stronger passion for acting, she noted that her most creative writing moments come in solitude.
“When I’m alone, I get my best ideas,” she said.
Describing herself as outspoken and grounded in family values, the actress emphasised her commitment to telling difficult truths and building a legacy rooted in honesty and perseverance.
“I will always speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it is. I want to build a legacy that shows a woman can rise to the top through hard work, talent, and resilience,” she said.
