Mofe Duncan Opens Up About Body Shaming and Career Challenges in Nollywood
Nollywood actor Mofe Duncan recently shared his experiences of being body-shamed and blacklisted by producers due to his weight during the early stages of his career.
Reflecting on his struggles, Duncan recalled how he was criticized and excluded by some in the industry for his size. He shared this while responding to a social media troll who claimed he wasn’t handsome because of his weight. In his response, Duncan revealed the lengths he went to in an attempt to meet industry standards, including suffering a severe back injury while trying to lose weight at the gym.
“The body shaming I endured in the industry affected me significantly at the time,” Duncan admitted. However, he noted that he has since grown resilient and now speaks out for others facing similar challenges.
In an Instagram post, Duncan wrote, “So this guy @iamadeogooluwayimika said I’m not allowed on the most handsome men in Nigeria list because I’m big. Lol! Comments like these brush off me like a leaf falling from a tree, zero impact. Zero damage. I’m a big guy, yes. I’ve been big for the past 10 years, yes.”
He continued, “Did I have a severe back injury whilst in the gym trying to look how people wanted me to look? Absolutely. I’ve been trolled and even had producers not want to work with me after calling me ‘fat’. Did it affect me years ago? Yes. Does it affect me now? Never. Has it affected my acting or my career? I’d let my movies speak for me.”
Duncan emphasized that his message wasn’t just for himself but for others who face body shaming: “This post isn’t for me or about me; it’s for others like me who get body shamed or called ‘unpretty’ because they’re larger than their peers.”
His candid revelation has sparked conversations about body image and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, drawing support from fans and colleagues alike.