10 Mzansi Celebrities Who Were Cancelled and Are Now Facing the Consequences
The world of fame can be as unforgiving as it is glamorous. In recent years, “cancel culture” has taken the entertainment industry by storm, holding public figures accountable for their actions.
In South Africa, several celebrities have found themselves at the center of controversies that led to public backlash, career setbacks, and personal struggles. Here’s a look at 10 Mzansi celebrities who were cancelled and the consequences they are now enduring.
The scandal tarnished Somizi’s image and resulted in his temporary suspension from several major gigs, including his role as a judge on Idols SA. Though he has worked to rebuild his career, the controversy continues to impact his public perception.
Musician and TV presenter Jub Jub saw his career take a nosedive following allegations of abuse from his former partner, actress Amanda du-Pont. The accusations led to widespread outrage and calls for accountability. His show Uyajola 9/9 faced significant backlash, and his public reputation has been deeply damaged, making his comeback attempts challenging.
These two popular DJs were implicated in allegations of sexual assault in 2021, sparking outrage across social media. Although charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, the damage to their reputations was done. Both artists faced public backlash, lost major endorsements, and saw a decline in their careers as fans called for accountability.
Television presenter Katlego Maboe was the golden boy of South African media until a cheating scandal, coupled with accusations of abuse by his former partner, brought his career to a screeching halt. He lost endorsements and his hosting role on Expresso Morning Show. While Katlego has since made attempts at a comeback, the road has been anything but smooth.
Known for her unapologetic persona, Zodwa Wabantu faced severe backlash for her controversial statements and actions, including comments deemed offensive and her bold disregard for societal norms. Her unapologetic style has cost her endorsement deals and alienated parts of her fan base, leaving her career hanging in the balance.
Rasta the Artist became infamous for his less-than-accurate celebrity portraits, but his public cancellation came after his artworks of late icons like Nelson Mandela and Kobe Bryant were deemed disrespectful. Despite his persistence in the art world, Rasta struggles to gain mainstream acceptance or positive recognition.
While DJ Zinhle remains a powerhouse in the music industry, she faced criticism and partial cancellation after public feuds with her ex, AKA, and his subsequent relationship with Bonang Matheba. Though she continues to thrive professionally, some fans have never fully moved past the drama, occasionally bringing it up on social media.
Lerato Kganyago found herself under fire after a series of social media spats with fans and public figures. Her sharp responses to criticism have often been viewed as unprofessional, leading to backlash and accusations of arrogance. The controversies have impacted her brand image, forcing her to rethink her public engagements.
Actress and media personality Ntando Duma faced public outrage over a video showing her verbally attacking an elderly woman during a parking lot dispute. The incident sparked online calls for accountability, leading to a temporary decline in her public appearances and endorsements. She later issued a public apology, but her reputation remains tarnished.
Award-winning musician Sjava faced serious allegations of abuse from musician Lady Zamar, leading to widespread calls for his cancellation. Although the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence, the controversy severely affected his career, with gigs canceled and fans divided. Despite attempting to rebuild his brand, the allegations continue to cast a shadow over his career.
Cancel culture has proven to be a double-edged sword in South Africa’s entertainment industry. On the one hand, it has empowered fans to hold celebrities accountable for problematic behavior. On the other hand, it raises questions about the fairness of public judgment and the possibility of redemption for those who have been “cancelled.”
For these 10 celebrities, the road to recovery has been tough. While some have shown resilience and made comebacks, others continue to struggle with the fallout of their actions. In the fast-paced and unforgiving world of fame, one thing is clear: reputation is everything, and rebuilding it takes time, effort, and humility.
