Femi Branch accused of assaulting Nollywood Assistant Director during filming. Crew halted production, demanding an apology before work resumed

Femi Branch assault incident disrupted a Nollywood film production after the popular actor was accused of physically attacking the film’s First Assistant Director during the penultimate day of shooting.

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The confrontation brought the production to a standstill, exposing deep concerns over respect and safety on Nigerian film sets.

The incident occurred between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM on the eighth day of a nine-day shoot, during a routine camera setup. According to the Assistant Director, chaos began when the director rolled Camera A without informing key crew members, even as the Director of Photography and the AD were still inside managing Camera B.

“I was hitting the door for them to open because the DP wanted to confirm the frame,” the AD explained. “When Femi Branch shouted that they were filming, I asked what they were filming when the DP and 1st AD were still inside.”

The situation escalated after Branch allegedly hurled insults at the AD, leading to a heated exchange. The confrontation quickly turned physical when Branch stormed into the room and struck the Assistant Director.

“He flared up asking who I was to talk back at him,” the AD recalled. “I told him he can’t intimidate me. That was when he hit me.”

The attack shocked the entire crew, who immediately rallied behind their colleague. Filming was paused, and by the time the production moved to its next location at the Lekki Conservation Centre, tensions were high. The crew refused to resume filming unless Branch apologised.

“There was a consensus with the crew members that they won’t film until he apologises to their AD,” the AD stated.

When Branch arrived and was asked to apologise, he allegedly attempted to leave instead. Crew members locked the gate to stop him, forcing a confrontation that left the Executive Producer scrambling to prevent a financial loss. With shooting costs rising and daylight fading, pressure mounted.

“The EP came to me begging. He said he was losing money and promised \[Branch] would apologise before leaving,” the AD said.

Eventually, Branch offered an apology to both the Assistant Director and the rest of the crew, allowing production to resume. The episode, however, has continued to send ripples across Nollywood, highlighting ongoing concerns over hierarchy, professional boundaries, and the treatment of crew members.

The crew’s collective action marks a shift in Nollywood’s workplace culture, underscoring that fame offers no immunity from accountability.

The response to the Femi Branch assault incident signals a clear demand for respect and safer working environments across the Nigerian film industry.

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As of this report, Branch has not issued a public statement. The production has since wrapped, but the incident remains a talking point in industry circles and may set a new precedent for crew solidarity in future productions.