A tense moment unfolded on a Nollywood movie set when veteran actor Femi Branch was reportedly prevented from leaving the location after allegedly assaulting a crew member. A viral video circulating online captures the aftermath of the incident, showing crew members locking the location gate and demanding accountability from the actor.
According to insider reports, the altercation occurred between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM on the eighth day of a nine-day shoot. Tensions rose during a routine camera setup at the location, with friction emerging over a miscommunication about filming readiness.
The issue reportedly began when the Director started filming with the first camera while the Director of Photography (DP) and Assistant Director (AD) were still adjusting the second unit. The crew member at the center of the incident explained that he knocked on the door to signal that framing was still ongoing.
“I was hitting the door for them to open because the DP wanted to go out and confirm the frame,” the crew member said. “When Femi Branch shouted that they were filming, I questioned what they were filming when the DP and 1st AD were still inside.”
This question allegedly triggered a heated reaction from Branch, who reportedly shouted insults and belittled the Assistant Director, saying his “head is incorrect.” The AD stood his ground, asserting his right to pause filming when necessary. What started as verbal sparring escalated, culminating in the actor allegedly slapping the crew member.
“He flared up, asking who I was to talk back at him,” the victim recounted. “As he came inside shouting at me, I told him he can’t intimidate me. That was when he hit me.”
The altercation reportedly shocked the entire set, prompting the crew to down tools in solidarity with their colleague. Though filming briefly continued at another location—Lekki Conservation Centre—production soon came to a halt as the crew demanded a formal apology from Branch before proceeding.
However, the actor allegedly refused to apologise and attempted to leave the location. In response, the crew reportedly locked the gate to prevent him from exiting, insisting that the matter be addressed before any further shooting resumed.
As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by Femi Branch or the film’s production team. The video of the confrontation has continued to draw widespread attention and stirred debate online over actor-crew dynamics and respect on film sets.
