Jemima Adelekan, an aspiring actress, burst into tears on Thursday after being rejected a film job because of her facial scar.
The Chronicles actress shared a WhatsApp screenshot of a communication from a casting director advising her that she was not hired for a position she auditioned for owing to her scar.
The text read:
“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,”
Jemima responded to the message shared on her Instagram story on Thursday, calling the rejection “one of my many humiliations.”
She also shared a video of herself crying on Instagram, lamenting the injustice she encounters in the film industry. Jemima Adelekan stated as she broke down:
“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.”
Toyin Abraham, an actress, released the video on Instagram and blasted people who were shaming her junior colleague. She also vowed to feature Jemima in her next film production.
Toyin Abraham 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.”
She also posted a photo of the aspiring actress on her Instagram Stories.
