Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked a fresh debate after alleging that the global entertainment industry is largely driven by values that promote self-worship and what he described as the “virtues of Satanism.”
The actor made the remarks during a recent interview with media personality Joey Akan, where he reflected on fame, spirituality and his personal journey of faith.
According to Jim Iyke, the entertainment industry often encourages excessive self-glorification, making it difficult for many celebrities to remain spiritually grounded.
He argued that while God exists everywhere, the structure of the entertainment industry naturally promotes values that conflict with genuine faith.
“There is no bigger enabler than the entertainment industry,” he said.
“This is where demons live. Entertainment is totally created and orchestrated to extol the virtues of Satanism.”
The actor explained that his comments were not directed at every individual working in the industry but at what he considers the culture surrounding fame and celebrity.
He questioned how much of modern entertainment actively encourages people to glorify God instead of elevating themselves.
“What in the entertainment industry glorifies God except you intentionally or consciously pursue Him?” he asked.
“Is it the blatant life?”
Jim Iyke maintained that celebrities who wish to maintain a relationship with God must do so deliberately because the environment itself often rewards pride, ego and self-centredness.
“What do we extol that is godly?” he continued.
“I am not saying God doesn’t exist in the entertainment industry. I am saying the entertainment industry is predominantly created for satanism.”
The actor further argued that creativity itself is a divine gift because human beings create in a way that reflects God’s nature.
However, he believes many entertainers lose sight of that purpose by placing themselves at the centre of admiration instead of directing glory to God.
“As a creative, to create is to mimic God,” he explained.
“But in the entertainment structure many serve self. You can’t serve God and serve self. That is a conflict of interest.”
According to him, the pursuit of fame often leads celebrities to develop a sense of superiority that eventually turns into self-worship.
“Serving self is satanism itself,” he said.
“When you extol yourself to god-like status, when you think you should be worshipped or the laws should not apply to you anymore, you are literally worshipped.”
Jim Iyke admitted that he personally experienced that mindset during the peak of his career.
The veteran actor recalled moments when fans would become emotional simply by seeing him, leading him to mistakenly believe he possessed extraordinary importance.
“I have been there,” he confessed.
“I have seen people cry when I walked into a room and I looked at them and I thought I was special.”
Reflecting on that period, he said his relationship with God changed his understanding of fame and significance.
“No, you are not,” he said, referring to his former perception of himself.
“Once you find your place with God, you will understand what is special.”
He concluded that discovering God within an industry dominated by fame and self-promotion is one of the greatest spiritual victories an entertainer can achieve.
“What is special is being able to find God in this place that is devoid of His presence,” he added.
Jim Iyke’s remarks have generated mixed reactions across social media.
While some Nigerians agreed with his observations, arguing that celebrity culture often encourages pride and materialism, others disagreed with his characterisation of the entertainment industry, noting that many actors, musicians and filmmakers openly express their faith and use their platforms to promote positive values.
The actor’s comments add to a growing conversation among entertainers about the relationship between fame, spirituality and personal values.
Over the years, several Nigerian celebrities have spoken publicly about the pressures that accompany success and the importance of maintaining a strong moral or spiritual foundation despite the demands of the entertainment industry.
Jim Iyke’s latest remarks are likely to fuel further debate about whether celebrity culture naturally promotes self-glorification or whether individuals ultimately determine how they navigate fame and influence.
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