The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has announced the indefinite suspension of actor Jerry Williams, over allegations of drug abuse.
A statement released by AGN’s National President, Emeka Rollas, MON, says the body has been monitoring Jerry’s alleged involvement in illicit substances since last December, until it got out of hand.
Rollas said the actor cannot be allowed to associate with other performers on set to avoid “endangering their lives” According to him, the situation is about fellow actors’ safety.
The statement reads in part:
“The Guild has been monitoring his involvement in illicit substances since December last year, until it got out of hand and as it is now, he cannot be allowed to associate with other performers on set due to danger.
“He ought to have been suspended before now. But we decided to allow him go through minor treatments, which he has been defaulting overtimes. But at it stands now, Jerry is a risk not only to himself but also, other actors who might be acting alongside him on set.
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“We, therefore, have decided to suspend him indefinitely until he gets a clean bill of health from a medical practitioner or a professional that handles drugs abuse.’”
Jerry hit the limelight after starring in the epic move, “The Chosen King.”
The report has garnered mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some in disagreement with the AGN’s decision.
A netizen said: “No wonder some movies you will see him doing his mouth like he is a lion”
“Who is clean amongst them?” another netizen weighed in.
A user commented: “Instead of doing this which is irreversible that could damage his career for good. They would habe set up a committee that will help him get out of this addiction.”
Another netizen dragged AGN President for suspending the actor. He said: “Complete nonsense. If Emeka Rollas does not have anything else to contribute to the organisation, he should respect himself and resign honourably.
“The young man in question should be given help and not punishment. How can you name and shame him and as if that is not enough, you are publicly announced that he has been suspended and ostracized by you.
“Honestly, I will be surprised if he does not take you to court for this your very high level of stupidity. Instead of looking for a way to improve the standards of the organisation that you were mistakenly given to head, you are busy negatively interfering in other peoples private lives.
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“Can you do me a favour and publish the part in your constitution that says that any member that indulges in hard drugs will be punished and ostracized.
“What about the alcoholics in your group? have you punished them? What about the husband/ wife snatchers, what have you done to them? What about those that are openly/ remotely engaging in prostitution (which they have recently christianed as RUNS), have you punished them yet?
“Young ladies who are new comers to your organisation are constantly abused sexually to your notice before they are able to be contracted, yet you have done nothing about it.
“I wish Jerry Williams will be brave and courageous enough to take you to court so that you’ll be embarrassed and punished the way you deserve because hopelessness and foolishness…. You are one of the reasons Nigeria is the way it is today.
“You tend to copy from the USA and Europe; but can you tell me about any successful entertainer from any of those countries who is not involved in one illicit thing or the other. Emeka Rollas you should be ashamed of yourself for demonising a member of your organisation whom you are supposed to offer help.”
Abanofo Stanley wrote: “Orishirishi. This one too they do drugs. All this cheap Asaba actors.”