Shaffy Bello Sparks Outrage After Defending Commercial Sex Work

Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has sparked widespread debate online after openly defending women involved in commercial sex work during a television interview.

Speaking on the Morayo show, the actress said she understood that some women engage in “runs” or commercial sex work because of difficult economic realities and family responsibilities. According to her, survival pressures sometimes push young women into making choices they ordinarily may not have considered.

Bello, however, advised those involved not to remain permanently in such lifestyles and encouraged them to prioritise safety, self-respect and long-term growth.

“If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge,” she said during the interview.

The actress added:
“If you go be ashawo, do am well. Do it well with respect and your full chest. However, don’t stay there.”

She explained that some women engage in commercial sex work to support struggling families, sponsor siblings through school or survive harsh economic conditions.

“Some girls are doing it because they need to feed mom, send their younger ones to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there,” she added.

Her comments quickly generated mixed reactions across social media, with some Nigerians praising her honesty and empathy toward struggling women, while others criticised her for appearing to normalise prostitution.

Supporters argued that Bello merely acknowledged the realities many young women face in a difficult economy, while critics insisted public figures should avoid statements that could be interpreted as encouraging immoral behaviour.

The controversy has since triggered wider conversations online about poverty, gender survival strategies, economic hardship and societal judgment.