Up-and-coming actress Jemima Adelekan on Thursday broke down in tears after she was rejected for a movie role because of her facial scar.
The Chronicles actress shared a WhatsApp screenshot of the message she received from a casting director who stated that she would not be cast for a role she had audition for due to her scar.
“Hi Jemima, good morning. In response to your audition, we would have really loved to bring you as you passed the character and nailed the role I must say but I’m sorry the character doesn’t have a scar and hence we can’t put you on. I really wish your scar wasn’t there, you would have been our perfect pick. Do have a great day, Best wishes,” the text read.
Reacting to the message shared on her Instagram story on Thursday, Jemima described the rejection as “one of my many humiliations.”
She also posted a video of herself on Instagram, crying as she lamented the discrimination she faces in the movie industry.
“I’m tired of being strong and I’m just begging please if you don’t have nice words to say to me, let me be, especially to casting directors, I’m trying, I’m really trying, you guys don’t know what I’ve been through and its only fair if you are nice with your comments, it’s okay if you don’t wanna call me back.
“I totally understand if I go for auditions and I do not get call back, it doesn’t mean I am not good enough, that what i tell myself, it just means that they don’t see me in the role and that’s okay but scar shaming me, it’s not fair. Please I’m begging, it’s only worse,” she said as she broke down.
Actress Toyin Abraham shared the video on her Instagram account and condemned those shaming her junior colleague.
She also promised to feature Jemima on her next movie project.
She wrote: “It’s okay if you don’t have a role for her but shaming her it’s totally wrong 👏👏🥹 @jemimaslifestyle you are coming to the big screen this year,I love you so much and you are so beautiful.”
