Metro FM under fire for working with Somizi after abuse claims by Mohale

Multiple media personalities have rallied behind the I Believe Mohale campaign, in order to have businesses take action against Somizi Mhlongo. 

However, it seems that commercial South Africa is not intending on taking any action against the star just yet. This is as Mhlongo still fronted the popular Metro FM segment, Ask A Man. Moreover, Idols SA has not released word on the matter since it became headline news yet, nor have Mhlongo’s other brand and endorsement deals.

Despite the serious allegations made against him by estranged husband Mohale Motaung, it is business as usual for the Idols SA judge. Tweeps are enraged as Metro FM promoted their popular segment ‘Ask A Man’, using Somizi and the Naked DJ’s pictures. Tweeps likened this situation between Somhale, to be that of Katlego Maboe‘s and they demand the same treatment he got.

A year ago, Katlego’s dirty laundry got aired out to dry by his then-girlfriend and baby mama Nicole. He got outed for being an abuser and cheater who allegedly gave her life-threatening STD which apparently prevents her from having more children in future.

Of course Katlego denied the allegations and apologized for them but he lost gig after gig. Award nominations were retracted and he got cancelled by mainstream media.

That is the same treatment tweeps demand towards Somizi Mhlongo. They say Metro FM’s continued association with an alleged abuser is not making the fight against Gender-Based Violence any easier. Plus, it shows double standards and selective outrage amongst cancel culture.

Related: Mohale accuses Somizi of breaking his ribs and pulling a kitchen knife

Boycott the show. It can't be business as usual when there are serious allegations leveled against Somizi. #IbelieveMohale https://t.co/CE1acJ4RB8

— You look your age 🇿🇦 (@Tanyane_P) August 3, 2021

However, following the audio which the article referenced being leaked, and a man believed to be Motaung telling his side of the story about the realities of his relationship with Mhlongo, more media personalities have spoken out on social media. The aim seems to be to have brands and the radio and television platforms that Mhlongo is associated with take action against him, as was the case with personalities such as DJ Fresh, Euphonik and Mangaliso Ngema.

Ntsiki Mazwai took to Twitter on Monday, 2 August 2021, as one of the first media personalities to publicly pledge her support for Mohale Motaung. On Sunday, 1 August 2021, the country was rocked with a scandal following allegations of emotional and physical abuse levelled against Motaung’s estranged husband, Somizi Mhlongo. Initially, except for the circulation of the allegations by Twitter users, celebrities did not speak on the matter.

Media personalities that have rallied behind the I Believe Mohale call-to-action have suggested that the difference between Mhlongo’s situation and that of the aforementioned male personalities is the matter of his orientation. Therefore, due to Mhlongo being part of the LGBTQI+ community, he is reportedly being treated with kid gloves. Considering the age difference between Motaung and Mhlongo, and the leaked audio and story, suggestions have been that Mhlongo attempted to groom the young man into their relationship.

Media personalities that have expressed their support of Motaung include Lerato Moloi, Penny Lebyane, Simphiwe Dana, Amanda Black, Masasa Mbangeni and Nokuthula Ledwaba.

See the post below.