By Our Correspondent
National News – Nigerian actress Miriam Ogbonna has defended her controversial remark suggesting that sex workers deserve better pay, explaining that her statement was meant to expose societal hypocrisy rather than promote prostitution.
Speaking during a recent interview published on March 28, 2026, the actress addressed the backlash that followed her earlier comments, insisting that many critics ignore the reality that the practice persists because people continue to patronise it.
Ogbonna said the debate began earlier in the week when she publicly argued that individuals involved in sex work should be paid fairly due to the risks and difficulties associated with the trade.
The actress noted that the comment sparked widespread criticism online, particularly on social media platforms where many users condemned the idea.
Explaining why she made the statement, Ogbonna argued that society often condemns prostitution publicly while secretly supporting it.
According to her, the contradiction between public condemnation and private patronage is one of the reasons the industry continues to thrive.
She stressed that if the demand for prostitution did not exist, many women engaged in the trade would likely pursue other forms of livelihood.
However, she said persistent patronage by clients has sustained the practice despite moral criticism.
“When people go online to criticise sex workers but still secretly patronise them, it shows a clear contradiction,” she explained.
Ogbonna added that the purpose of her comment was to challenge what she described as the moral double standards present in society.
Addressing how social media reacted, the actress said the backlash did not surprise her.
She described online platforms as spaces where many people project false moral standards while hiding their real behaviour offline.
Beyond the controversy, Ogbonna also spoke about her career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The actress said she balances acting and scriptwriting, revealing that she enjoys acting more but often produces her best writing when she is alone and able to focus creatively.
She further described herself as a family-oriented and outspoken individual committed to discussing difficult issues that many people prefer to avoid.
Ogbonna said she hopes to build a legacy based on honesty, perseverance and talent.
