On January 29, 2026, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe Adeoti found herself at the centre of a lively public conversation after a brief on-stage kiss with her co-star Vine Olugu during the premiere of their new film Everything Is New Again.
The moment which was captured on video and quickly shared across social media, ignited mixed reactions and raised a central questions. Netizens wondered if the kiss was relevant or necessary at the event, or did it simply distract from the movie itself?
The premiere took place as guests gathered to celebrate the upcoming romantic comedy, which explores love, age differences, and second chances, with Mercy Aigbe playing a successful interior designer and Vine Olugu portraying her younger love interest.
Before the unexpected gesture, Aigbe had addressed the audience about her initial reservations about the movie’s “sexually charged” content, explaining that she only accepted the role after support from her husband.
Right after finishing her speech, Aigbe turned to Olugu and planted a quick kiss on his lips. The spontaneous moment that drew cheers from some in attendance also puzzled many who watched the clip online.
Relevance or Distraction? The Debate Begins
For many viewers, the question of relevance came down to context. Some supporters argued that the kiss was simply an expression of camaraderie and confidence in the film’s theme. They also believe it had to do with movie promotion. Since the story involves a romantic relationship between characters of different ages, the gesture could be seen as a playful nod to the chemistry on screen. In a promotional atmosphere, unusual moments often become talking points that increase interest in a project.
However, others felt the moment was unnecessary and detracted from the professionalism expected at a public industry event. One social media commenter wrote, “On screen it’s okay, but offscreen? That’s off limit please,” highlighting the discomfort some felt seeing a public display of affection outside the film itself. Another reaction challenged the timing and setting, suggesting that such gestures belong in the movie, not at a premiere.
The discussions also reflected cultural expectations. In Nigeria, public displays of affection are often viewed with restraint or skepticism, especially when connected to individuals who are not romantically linked in real life. This cultural lens shaped many of the responses, with some observers questioning whether the moment was simply a bid for viral attention.
Despite the debate, there is little doubt that the moment succeeded in drawing attention. Within hours of the premiere, thousands had seen the clip online, and conversations about the film and Aigbe’s choice to share that kiss spread across platforms. Opinions varied widely, but nearly all agreed that the moment had achieved one thing: it made people talk about Everything Is New Again.
Ultimately, whether the kiss was “necessary” depends on perspective. For fans who see it as a memorable promotional moment that reflects the movie’s bold themes, the gesture added energy to the premiere. For critics focused on professionalism and boundaries, it was an unnecessary distraction from the film itself. They also focused on how she is married to movie marketer, Kazim Adeoti aka Adekaz, and how it’s culturally frowned upon.
As the movie continues to attract viewers, the debate over that brief on-stage kiss serves as a reminder of how public figures navigate attention, expectation, and artistry in the digital age.