Yoruba actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona has faced widespread criticism on social media after portraying a woman for his upcoming movie, Rise With Me.
The actor, who recently shared updates about the project, explained that the film is meant to showcase the resilience and strength of women.
A photo that quickly went viral showed Awobona dressed in women’s attire while holding a baby. Alongside the image, he wrote:
“I honor the unbreakable spirit of women who overcome challenges, break barriers, and inspire future generations.”
His portrayal is intended to highlight the struggles women endure and their ability to triumph over adversity. Following the backlash over the yet-to-be-released film, Awobona addressed critics through his Instagram story, stating:
“What am I seeing about Rise With Me on X? What will now happen when the movie drops?”