How my gay controversy brought me fame –Benson Okonkwo

Some years back, the name, Benson Okonkwo,
wouldn’t have meant anything to quite a number of
people, but not now, when the gangling actor is one
of the fastest rising stars in the movie industry.

Though, Benson, fondly known as ‘Mr Packaging’ by
his fans, has all it takes to make it in the
competitive world of make-believe: looks, talent,
the attitude and probably the X-factor. But it would
be none of these qualities that brought him to
limelight. What actually clinched it for him was the
gay role he played in the movie ‘One Dollar’ and the
controversy it generated.
According to Benson, the role generated so much
controversy that some people actually labelled him
‘gay’, failing to understand that he was only playing
out a script.
Hear him: “You know one thing with Nigerians,
when you play a role and play it well that’s what
you are. I have done three gay movies, and I
starred in a gay movie titled ‘One dollar’, I incurred
the wrath of many movie fans. At the time, my
critics were asking questions about my sexuality in
real life.Unperturbed by the outrage, I also appeared
in another gay movie ‘Pregnant Hawker’ and ‘The
Strippers.’
But, I have 50 movies to my credit, I am unhappy
about the negative reactions that trailed my
decision to star in those movies. I insist that the
public is ignorant of the fact that actions in movies
are not real.
Although these movies
sparked off
controversy about my
sexuality, I make bold
to say that Nigerians
are hypocrites. They
secretly enjoy
watching porn movies,
yet when they see
Nigerian movies that
contain suggestive
scenes, they secretly watch them online and then
drop anonymous comments. I am only acting and
doing my job.
Although I have acted as a homosexual three times,
I am afraid of being tagged a stereotyped actor.
Despite the fact that the gay controversy has
brought me fame, I want people to remember that I
have not starred in only gay or adult films. Contrary
to what some persons think, I have never been
sexually harassed by homosexuals. I am not a
homosexual.
Notwithstanding the negative comments, it took
much willpower to get into character. It was hard
for me to accept the role at first, and it took a lot of
convincing and support from the director before I
could play the role.
The ‘pay was right,’ I enjoy the support of my loved
ones in spite of the criticism. “My family
understands that I am only acting and the roles
have nothing to do with my personal life or
character, that’s why they stood by me and
continue to stand by me. I believe that versatility is
one thing any actor must possess, that way, he or
she stands out.
Maybe not being in any relationship with the
opposite sex is another reason why the ‘gay’ idea
about you persists?
Being in a relationship will not convince people that
I am gay or not. Some have this mindset from the
movies they have seen and the roles I took, so
that’s it for now but I don’t want to talk about my
relationship anymore. I have decided to keep it
private
What would you consider your best film of 2013?
The movie I will consider my best of 2013 is ‘James
Town’ which featured stars like Mama G, Star
musician, Veeck kings. Gbenga Richardson, Jegede
and all, it’s a must-see movie coming out this year
February. It’s a ghetto movie and I was one of the
ghetto leaders and I know my fans will love it.