Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has revealed that she was a victim of domestic violence in her previous marriage, disclosing that she endured physical abuse even while pregnant.
The actress made the revelation while speaking on Real Life Matters with Aunty Ayo, a podcast hosted by fellow actress Ayo Adesanya.
Nwosu said she does not believe marriage should be treated as a “do-or-die affair,” urging women to prioritize their safety over societal expectations or the fear of public criticism.
“I don’t believe marriage is a do-or-die affair,” she said.
“People go on social media to say, ‘He slapped me, he did this.’ But when you experience real beating, proper pummeling, you won’t remember social media. You’ll only be struggling for your life.”
The actress explained that she chose to suffer in silence during her marriage and refused to make her ordeal public despite media curiosity at the time.
“I haven’t told people until now the kind of domestic violence I went through in marriage,” she admitted. “Even when the press came after me, I told them I didn’t want to wash my dirty linen in public. It was well while it lasted, but I don’t want to talk about it.”
Recalling her decision to stay in the marriage, Nwosu revealed that she initially planned to walk away after being beaten during pregnancy, but was persuaded to stay by family members.
“He beat me even in pregnancy, and I said this marriage is a no-no for me,” she said. “My senior sister knelt down and begged me, saying he was sorry and asking what people would say. I agreed, but once beaten, always beaten. If you take it once, you must be ready to take it for the rest of your life.”
The actress also expressed empathy for women experiencing domestic abuse, referencing the case of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, who reportedly died as a result of domestic violence.
“When it becomes too much, you have to move,” Nwosu warned. “It’s your life we’re talking about — not that person’s life.”
Ngozi Nwosu, known for her roles in Fuji House of Commotion and numerous Nollywood productions, has long been regarded as one of the industry’s most respected veterans, celebrated for her resilience and openness about personal struggles.
