Jim Iyke: “I Once Chased a Producer With a Machete Over Gay Role Script”

Nigerian actor Jim Iyke has made headlines following a controversial statement regarding his stance on portraying LGBTQ+ characters in Nollywood films.

In a recent interview, the actor stated unequivocally that he would never accept roles requiring him to play a gay character. Iyke explained that such roles do not align with his personal values or identity, adding that he is uncomfortable wearing feminine clothing or taking on characters that do not reflect who he is.

“I can’t roll with the gay guys, I’m sorry. I can’t wear a skirt for nobody,” he said. “I know there’s a whole community, you know. I salute you guys, to each his own.”

Despite acknowledging the existence and significance of the LGBTQ+ community, Iyke emphasized that his decision is personal and non-negotiable. He also recounted a past incident where he received a script involving a gay role, which he found offensive. According to him, he reacted by confronting the producer in an aggressive manner.

“The last producer that sent me his script along that line… I located that guy with a machete. Immediately he saw me, he took off. I said, ‘Keep running, keep running,’” he recounted.

Iyke noted that while some filmmakers include LGBTQ+ themes in their work to reach broader audiences, he personally chooses not to participate in such narratives.

His comments have sparked conversation online, with some praising his honesty while others criticize the tone and potential implications of his statements.