Jemima Adelekan, a budding actress, has broken down in tears, claiming she was “rejected for a movie role because of my facial scar”.
On Thursday, the actress posted a WhatsApp message from a casting director regarding a role she auditioned for on her Instagram account.
In the WhatsApp chat, the director admitted that, while she “nailed the role,” she will not be invited to appear in the film owing to her facial scar.
“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 am sorry the character does not have a scar and hence we cannot put you on. I really wish your scar was not there, you would have been our perfect pick. Do have a great day, best wishes,” the message reads.
Adelekan cried in a follow-up message, stating that she was “tired of being strong”.
She said she understood not being called back for roles she auditioned for, but “scar shaming” is “unfair”.
“I am tired of being strong and I am just begging please if you do not have nice words to say to me, let me be, especially to casting directors, I am trying. I am really trying,” she said.
“You guys do not know what I have been through and its only fair if you are nice with your comments, it is okay if you do not want to call me back. I totally understand if I go for auditions and I do not get call back.”
“It does not mean I am not good enough, that is what I tell myself, it just means that they do not see me in the role and that is okay but scar shaming me, it is not fair. Please I am begging, it is only worse.”
Adelekan has featured in movies such as ‘Dangerous Silence’, ‘Displaced’, ‘Atona’ and ‘No 1’.
