Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has found herself at the center of social media backlash following the release of her YouTube film, The Bloom After, which premiered on February 6, 2026. The 90-minute film tells the story of Inara, a woman navigating betrayal, reinvention, and a new romance, but some viewers have criticized the chemistry between Ogunmola and co-star Daniel Etim Effiong, with a few calling the project attention-seeking or even inappropriate.

One fan tweeted, “To be honest, you and Daniel kissing scenes are too much and it’s looking like you guys are an item. Why didn’t you kiss the first guy ‘Anthony’ in the movie? Remember that’s how Yul and Judy started. Feelings can develop…”

In response, Bolaji Ogunmola defended her work on Twitter, firing back at critics:

“You are an absolute retard!! You watched to tweet stupidity and it shows. What is the entire film about, you nitwit!! You want to reduce my entire work to kissing. You are an absolute fool and all of you thinking like that. What foolish item, we don’t even talk outside of work!”

She continued, “All this work to be called a porn producer — what’s honestly the point, tbh.. mediocrity is exactly what you guys celebrate. Noted.”

Bolaji emphasized that The Bloom After is more than a romance film. In another tweet, she wrote:

“The Bloom After isn’t just another romance film. It’s about a woman finding herself after giving everything to a cause she believed in. We know an Inara; there’s an Inara on our street, in your office. Please share the film with them and remind them they are worthy.”

Since its release, The Bloom After has generated over 3,700 views and 1,100 likes, with audiences praising its polished storytelling and themes of empowerment. However, social media conversations show a divide between viewers who appreciate the story of reinvention and critics who focus narrowly on the romantic scenes.

Entertainment analysts note that this is not uncommon in Nollywood, where bold storytelling choices often spark online debate. Bolaji Ogunmola’s response highlights a growing trend of actors actively engaging with their critics while defending the artistic intent of their work.

The actress has been strategic in marketing the film, using playful teasers, dance clips, and romantic snippets to engage her audience before the release. Fans of the film have praised her for showing that age and life experience do not limit a woman’s ability to explore love and personal growth on screen.

Bolaji’s firm stance against reducing her work to just romance underscores her commitment to telling meaningful stories of empowerment rather than simply courting controversy for attention.

The Bloom After is available now on Bolaji Ogunmola’s official YouTube channel, giving audiences the chance to watch and form their own opinions.