Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has sparked discussion about how men and women face different reactions to their sexual history.
The actor said a man’s past may not always stop him from finding a partner, however, women may face stronger judgment over similar experiences.
According to Agu, “A man can sleep with 30 to 40 women and still end up with a woman who is ready to settle down with him A woman can sleep with 7 to 10 men and end up being rejected, simply because of her past.”
Chiwetalu Agu said the issue goes beyond personal choices, he pointed to what he described as a double standard in how sexual behaviour is viewed.
He explained, “People don’t always face the same social consequences for the same behavior. The behavior is the same, but the consequences are different a perceived double standard in s+xual history.”
His comments have drawn attention to the social pressure often linked to relationships and past sexual choices.
Agu also compared the issue with drug use among people from different social backgrounds.
He said people may take similar risks but face very different outcomes.
“You are doing drugs with a rich man’s child. Tomorrow, when things go wrong, they will fly him abroad for treatment and rehab, while you pick up a cutlass and start chasing us around Ogbete Main Market,” he said.
The actor warned against assuming that two people will always face the same results after making similar choices.
“Don’t assume that because someone is doing something with you, that you will both suffer the consequences equally. We are all humans, but some humans have more to lose than others. Not all humans are treated the same.”
Agu urged people to think carefully before making choices that could affect their future.
He advised people to “always learn to look before you leap” and consider whether they can handle the possible results.
The actor concluded with a message about wisdom and personal responsibility.
“Wisdom is not knowing what you can do, it is knowing what you cannot afford to do,” he concluded.
