M-Net made the announcement late last night in a statement, where it thanked the radio DJ for the critical role he has played in seeking out and developing new talent over the years and for contributing to the success of the show to date.
M-Net announced today (Friday, 8 Jan) that Gareth Cliff will not be part of the judging panel for Idols SA Season 12, which is due to commence with countrywide auditions at the end of January 2016.M-Net thanks Cliff for the critical role he has played in seeking out and developing new talent over the years and for contributing to the success of the show to date.Idols SA Season 12 will be screened on M-Net’s Local Interest channel Mzansi Magic which is available to both DStv Premium and DStv Compact viewers.Cliff came under fire earlier this week, when he weighed in on the Penny Sparrow saga after the former estate agent called black beachgoers at Durban’s beaches, monkeys.
In a tweet - Cliff wrote that “people don’t understand free speech at all”.
He’s received criticism for the comment, with many labeling him a racist. He later apologized, saying he in no way condones racism and has a lot to learn.
