The United Kingdom-based production house posted a
statement on its Facebook page, which it later pulled down, alleging it parted
ways with Mai Titi because she was unprofessional.
Mai Titi was featured in the film “A Life to Regret”
alongside Congolese rhumba musician Awilo Longomba, Stan Bakora, Daisy
Handfield and Big Fizzo.
The production house said it replaced Mai Titi’s role with
Tanzanian painter, musician and dancer Angel Mary Kato. “It’s sad to announce
that we had to terminate Mai Titi’s role and replace her with Angel Mary Kato
due to lack of professionalism onset and while living and working with other
celebrities, as well as the crew,” it said.
“We love Zimbabweans, that is why we picked someone from
that country, but unfortunately we could not continue with her.
‘‘We are open for interviews with all Zimbabwean news
companies.” Mai Titi said she would no longer let sleeping dogs lie.
“There is more to it, but I decided to let sleeping dogs
lie, but since they want war, I can as well expose them too from sexual abuses
amongst the actors to unpaid dues. I am at loss of words, maybe they are trying
to tarnish my name or what,” she said.
“The truth of the matter is that I pulled out because of
lack of professionalism from their side.
‘‘They used my brand to get the attention they wanted. We
were not paid and BJB Films had no sponsors for a start. I thought it was water
under the bridge after I left three months ago.”
Mai Titi’s local fans went on the page, attacking the
production house for lack of professionalism for taking to social media before
talking to her.
The fans also questioned why BJB Films had to come out now
talking about the unprofessional conduct of Mai Titi after she left Tanzania
three months ago.
Some fans pointed out that somehow, it was more of
character assassination, poor public relations from the production house and
trying to blacklist and tarnish her name.
Mai Titi said she was shocked and surprised with the news
that her role was replaced, as she pulled out of the film months ago. She said
she was now taking the matter further so that she clears her name with fans and
family.
“I am a brand and I work with a constitution and
contracts,” she said.“Imagine when Awilo came, all eyes were on him, forgetting
other actors. This was depressing.
“I am thinking of taking the matter to the British Embassy
and exposing them. If they had sponsors and budget for the film, why did it
take them long to release the film. As we speak, it is still in
pre-production.”
Asked if she had a contract with BJB Films, Mai Titi said
she had, but it was violated. “I was told I would get all my payments before I
leave Tanzania and on set, but nothing materialised,” she said.
“Now I am on my way to the British Embassy to tell my whole
story. I think it is the right time now.”
Mai Titi was not happy BJB Films went on social media with
the issue before contacting her.
“I woke up to such news, imagine what is the purpose of
this after three months?” she asked.
“I left Tanzania and I have been surviving on my own. They
haven’t paid me and I need to feed my kids and not do things for free.”
Some fans said there were many possibilities with regards
to the fall out, with others arguing it could be a stunt to help market the
film. Herald
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