Gay movies brought me fame – Benson Okonkwo

Controversial actor and model, Benson
Okonkwo, speaks with JAYNE AUGOYE
about issues revolving around his
sexuality
When Nollywood actor and model,
Benson Okonkwo, starred in a 2010 gay
movie titled ‘One dollar’, he incurred the
wrath of many movie fans. At the time, his
critics were asking questions about his
sexuality in real life.
Unperturbed by the outrage, the Enugu
State-born actor has since appeared in
two other films of the same theme as One
dollar. They are Pregnant Hawker and
The Strippers.
But, Okonkwo, who has 30 movies to his
credit, says he is unhappy about the
negative reactions that trailed his decision
to star in those movies. He insists that
the public is ignorant of the fact that
actions in movies are not real.
“Although these movies sparked off
controversy about my sexuality, I make
bold to say that Nigerians are hypocrites.
They secretly enjoy watching porn movies,
yet when they see Nigerian movies that
contain suggestive scenes, they secretly
watch them online and then drop
anonymous comments. I am only acting
and doing my job.
“Although I have acted as a homosexual
three times, I am afraid of being tagged a
stereotyped actor. Despite the fact that
the gay controversy has brought me
fame, I want people to remember that I
have not starred in only gay or adult
films. Contrary to what some persons
think, I have never been sexually
harassed by homosexuals. I am not a
homosexual.”
Notwithstanding the negative comments,
he says it took much willpower to get into
character. “It was hard for me to accept
the role at first, and it took a lot of
convincing and support from the director
before I could play the role,” he says.
Admitting that the ‘pay was right,’
Okonkwo says he enjoys the support of
his loved ones in spite of the criticism. He
says, “My family understands that I am
only acting and the roles have nothing to
do with my personal life or character,
that’s why they stood by me and continue
to stand by me. I believe that versatility is
one thing any actor must possess, that
way, he or she stands out.”
A few days ago, the actor made
newspaper headlines after he shared a
painful childhood experience online, in
which he claimed that he was sexually
abused.
Recounting his experience to our
correspondent in a telephone interview,
he said, “I was sexually abused at the age
of 10 by a 35 –year-old neighbour of mine
named Amaka. She lives abroad at
present. I loved and respected her, but
she took advantage of me one afternoon,
after luring me with sweets and biscuits.
She stole my innocence and ever since, I
have been haunted by that painful and
unforgettable memory,” he says in an
emotion laden voice.
Explaining why he decided to open up on
the incident, Okonkwo says, “I feel free
talking about it because I have kept the
secret for many years. I think I am the
first celebrity to do this openly. Now I feel
relieved and happier than ever.
Interestingly, the incident changed my
love for women.
“I am not randy or loose. I handle my
female fans diplomatically. I don’t want to
take advantage of my fans. The moment I
start sleeping with them, I will lose it.”
However, the actor is unhappy that the
art of filmmaking is largely unappreciated
in Nigeria. But he has his eyes fixed on
the big picture in the nearest future.
“Hollywood is my limit. I also hope to
begin an NGO for the less privileged and
models in Nigeria,” he says.