Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola has revealed she’s seriously considering stepping away from social media following a wave of criticism over a romantic scene in her latest film, The Bloom After.
The online backlash erupted after viewers strongly reacted to a kiss fans accusing the scene of blurring the line between fiction and reality.
The movie, which premiered on YouTube in early February, tells the story of Ogunmola’s character navigating life, love and self‑rediscovery after the end of a long‑term marriage. Etim‑Effiong plays a key role as her love interest, and several tender moments between them — including the kiss — became the subject of intense debate on social platforms. Some critics questioned why Ogunmola didn’t perform a similar scene with other actors in the industry, pointing to a perceived double standard in how on‑screen romance is discussed.
In response, Ogunmola firmly defended her artistic choices, stressing that her working relationship with Etim‑Effiong is strictly professional and rooted in the demands of the script. She reminded critics that The Bloom After is ultimately a story about resilience, personal growth and empowerment, not an attempt to fuel gossip.
The actress also spoke openly about the emotional toll of the criticism. Ogunmola said the intensity of online commentary has left her questioning her presence on social media, even hinting that she may either quit social platforms entirely or hand over control of her accounts to a manager so she can focus on her craft without constant distraction.
Ogunmola’s experience has sparked a wider conversation in Nollywood about how romantic scenes are perceived by audiences — and the unfair expectations placed on actors. Fellow industry figures have previously weighed in on similar topics, with veteran actress Uche Jombo reminding fans that filming intimate scenes is a professional requirement, not a reflection of actors’ personal lives.
As debates continue online about on‑screen chemistry, personal boundaries and audience expectations, Ogunmola’s candid reaction highlights the pressures modern actors face in balancing artistic expression with the scrutiny of an increasingly vocal digital audience.
