Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele has fired back at online trolls after a resurfaced interview sparked criticism over her self-taught filmmaking journey and admiration for Tyler Perry.
In the clip, the award-winning actress and director candidly revealed she did not receive formal film school training. “I actually learnt to write from watching Tyler Perry’s movie series. That’s my role model,” she said, highlighting how his storytelling inspired her early work.
The comments triggered backlash, with some accusing her films of lacking originality. Undeterred, Akindele addressed the controversy directly on X, posting a heartfelt message that has since gone viral.
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“I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be. Tyler Perry is one of my role models and I learnt a lot from watching his films, especially when it came to storytelling and writing,” she wrote. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning from someone you admire.”
She emphasised her growth over the years through workshops, hands-on experience, and constant self-improvement, while noting that she now inspires upcoming filmmakers. “We learn, we grow and we inspire others. Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing.”
Akindele’s commercial dominance backs her confidence. Her 2025 hit Behind the Scenes crossed ₦2 billion at the box office, making it one of Nollywood’s biggest successes.