Actor Ogbonna Defends ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, Says Film Not Anti-Christian

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has spoken out in defence of the controversial movie ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, insisting that its title and content were never intended to undermine or ridicule the Christian faith.

Ogbonna, who played the character Frankie in the film, stated this in a statement shared on his Instagram page following criticisms by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the movie’s title.

“I feel it’s important to speak from my place as a cast member in ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’,” he wrote. “Let me be very clear: the title of this movie was never meant to undermine the Christian faith — especially not our faith.”

The actor emphasised that the project was driven by Christians, noting that he is a Christian, as are many members of the cast, as well as the producer and director.

“At no point was this project created to mock, diminish, or disrespect the sacredness of Christmas,” Ogbonna said.

He explained that the title was a playful reference to the popular “Detty December” culture, particularly common in Lagos and other parts of the world, and not an attack on Christianity.

“Yes, the title is playful, and it draws from the popular ‘Detty December’ culture we all know. But beyond the title, this film carries strong and intentional messages about love, forgiveness, self-worth, and the very real danger of fake drugs in our society,” he stated.

Ogbonna added that, based on his experience with the project, the film’s core message is wholesome and value-driven.

“The heart of this film is not crude, not sensational, and certainly not anti-Christian. The goal was to spark the right conversations, create moments of warmth and reflection during the season, and still stay rooted in values that matter,” he said.

According to the actor, audience reactions to the film since its cinema release have mainly been positive.

“People who have actually seen it have shared kind words and thoughtful reviews, without the negativity that many feared,” he noted, while appealing for the movie to be judged based on its full content rather than its title alone.

“I respect the Christian Association of Nigeria and understand the concerns raised. Conversations like this are important. My humble appeal is that we allow the full message of the film — not just the title — to speak for itself,” Ogbonna added.

The actor’s comments come amid mounting controversy surrounding the film, which stars Ini Edo. LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that Edo appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw the movie from cinemas.

In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, the actress urged critics to watch the film before passing judgment.

“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it,” Edo said.

She further pledged to personally take responsibility if the film was found to dishonour God or the Christian faith.

“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she stated.

Explaining the intention behind the title, Edo said it was never meant to demean Christianity, stressing that the storyline focuses on family issues rather than religion.

“We chose A Very Dirty Christmas. It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God,” she said, adding, “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.”

Meanwhile, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed that it had asked the film’s producer to modify the title, acknowledging the concerns raised by CAN.

“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation,” the NFVCB said in a statement.

The Board also noted that, under its enabling Act, it reserves the right to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if such action is deemed necessary in the public interest.