Veteran film producer Socrate Safo exited the United Showbiz programme amid a heated dispute with entertainment pundit A Plus over alleged fund distribution to film producers in the country.

The debate escalated when A Plus rebuked Socrate with offensive and disparaging comments, likening Socrate's intellect to that of a chicken's clitoris.

Socrate found the remark deeply offensive and demanded an apology from A Plus to proceed with the show. Despite MzGee's intercession, Socrate's request went unmet.

Explaining his departure, Socrate stated, "What prompted me to say 'shut up'? While presenting my point, I maintain respect for the producers, you, and our audience. With utmost respect, I choose to leave to allow the show's continuation. My punctuality is often late, but my participation is out of respect for you all. Consider how my children would feel watching this."

MzGee acknowledged Socrate's departure, saying, "Regrettably, Socrate has vacated the studio, unable to proceed with the conversation. Efforts by the producers to reconcile the matter are ongoing."

Earlier, Socrate had countered actress Christiana Awuni's assertion that the NPP administration failed to disburse funds, stating that the National Film Authority (NFA) did provide money to certain producers. Socrate specified that some producers received a sum of 80,000 euros.

However, Ola Michael intervened, claiming that the funds did not come from the government but rather from a grant from an international source.

A Plus, also a panelist on the program, accused Socrate of spreading misinformation, leading to a fiery altercation between the two. Socrate made a controversial statement, saying, "Assessing the creative arts sector's impact, you didn't receive any funds because you're not producers. Verify with the NFA regarding their support for producers; some received 80,000 euros."

Questioning the truthfulness of his statement, he added, "Am I lying? The funds are grants from overseas, facilitated by whom if not the NFA? My friend, leave."

After Ola Michael refuted Socrate's claim, A Plus retorted in Twi, accusing Socrate of deceit. "You attempted to lie and were caught. You've been caught regarding the NFA's alleged 80,000 euro distribution to producers. You're dishonest. Who are you to order me away?

"Feel free to depart. Don't feign irritation. I must correct him; such behavior won't be tolerated again. Don't address us as if we're your children; I'm more educated than you. What are you capable of?"

Meanwhile, the NFA has not confirmed whether the funds provided to producers were governmental or from an international entity.

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