In a dramatic turn of events shaking Nollywood circles and the influencer sphere, controversial social commentator VeryDarkMan — real name Martins Vincent Otse — has aimed at veteran actor Gentle Jack for what he calls a “grossly disrespectful move”: producing a biopic allegedly based on his life, without his consent.
The outspoken activist didn’t mince words as he called out the legendary Vuga star, accusing him of sidestepping a basic courtesy — reaching out first. “You can’t just wake up and decide to tell my story without even a conversation,” he fumed in a recent Instagram video. “That’s not storytelling, that’s exploitation.”
Known for his fearless, often fiery takes on societal issues, VeryDarkMan emphasized that telling someone’s life story — especially someone as polarizing and socially vocal as himself — requires more than good intentions and a camera crew. “It’s not just about acting or filming; it’s about truth, permission, and perspective. I owe it to myself and my journey to be part of that process,” he said.
While Gentle Jack, a Nollywood icon celebrated for his tough-guy roles in action-packed classics like Blood Money, has yet to issue a formal response, the silence only intensifies the heat surrounding the allegations. For many in the film industry, this incident has re-ignited a growing debate: Where do filmmakers draw the line between inspiration and intrusion?
Critics are now weighing in, with some backing VeryDarkMan’s stance, calling for a clearer ethical framework when it comes to biopics, especially those based on living public figures. Others argue that public personalities are subject to artistic interpretation, even if the portrayal stirs discomfort.
As the controversy continues to trend online, fans of both men are watching closely. Will this evolve into a legal showdown, or will dialogue prevail?
For now, one thing is certain: telling someone’s life story without their voice in the room can be just as controversial as the life itself.
