Somizi Mhlongo called out the aggressive behavior of Big Brother Mzansi fans after receiving online backlash for critiquing popular contestant Sweet Guluva, sparking a wider conversation about toxic fandom and respect in entertainment culture.

The drama on Big Brother Mzansi is no longer confined to the house—this week, it exploded beyond the TV screen and into the digital world as overzealous fans of contestant Sweet Guluva clashed with celebrity judge and media personality Somizi Mhlongo.

What started as a seemingly innocent moment of commentary turned into a full-on social media firestorm, with Somizi himself stepping in to address what he called “toxic fan behavior” that has taken the fun out of the show.

It all began when Somizi, one of South Africa’s most beloved and outspoken entertainers, shared a few thoughts about the current Big Brother Mzansi season on his social platforms.

Known for his unfiltered opinions, Somizi praised some housemates while lightly critiquing others, including Sweet Guluva, a polarising contestant whose rising popularity has gained him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But it wasn’t long before things took a nasty turn.

Within hours, Somizi’s comment section was flooded with backlash from fans of Sweet Guluva. Some messages were passionate but respectful, while others crossed the line into aggressive, even threatening territory.

The intensity of the reactions shocked many, and Somizi was not about to stay silent. In a sharply worded response, he called out the “cult-like energy” of certain fan groups, questioning why a reality TV show meant to entertain had morphed into a battleground of personal attacks.

Somizi’s clapback didn’t just defend himself—it also sparked a broader conversation about the role of fandom in modern pop culture. “It’s not that deep,” he wrote, “we’re watching people live in a house for entertainment, not fighting a political revolution.”

His message was clear: critique is part of the game, and public figures—whether contestants or commentators—shouldn’t be subjected to bullying over subjective opinions.

Fans of Big Brother Mzansi will know that Sweet Guluva, whose real name has yet to be revealed publicly by producers, is a standout figure in the current season.

His charm, street-smart persona, and unapologetic attitude have earned him a massive following. But his confidence and at times divisive behavior have also sparked criticism, making him both a fan-favorite and a controversial figure.

His supporters, affectionately dubbed “Team Sweet G,” have shown unwavering loyalty, often trending hashtags and dominating online polls. But their recent actions have raised alarms over the darker side of fan culture.

Somizi, no stranger to public scrutiny himself, has always had a complicated relationship with online discourse. As a judge on Idols SA and a household name in entertainment, he’s faced everything from adoration to backlash over his decades-long career.

But this time, he chose to push back not just for his own sake, but to draw attention to a growing trend where fan bases turn toxic and feel entitled to police opinions on their favorite stars.

The controversy quickly caught the attention of other celebrities and influencers, some of whom chimed in with their own experiences of being harassed online for expressing honest takes.

Others praised Somizi for standing his ground and challenging what he described as the “emotional instability” of fans who blur the line between entertainment and obsession.

Some even questioned whether producers of Big Brother Mzansi should take more responsibility in calming tensions by reminding viewers of the show’s intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Sweet Guluva remains unaware of the outside storm, at least for now. Like all housemates, he is cut off from the outside world, focused only on playing the game, completing tasks, and navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the show.

It remains to be seen how this will affect his standing once he exits the house—and if the controversy will tarnish or elevate his public image.

The incident has also revived the debate around stan culture and digital behavior. While fan engagement can be a powerful tool to build community and support talent, it can also spiral into harassment and online aggression.

For shows like Big Brother Mzansi, where contestants often become instant celebrities, the role of fans is pivotal—but increasingly difficult to control.

Somizi’s decision to speak out reflects a broader fatigue among public figures who feel unfairly targeted by fan bases that demand allegiance rather than critique. It’s a sentiment that many in the entertainment industry echo but are often reluctant to voice for fear of backlash.

By using his platform to call for a return to respectful dialogue, Somizi may have sparked an important, overdue conversation about the balance between passion and toxicity in fan-driven culture.

As the season of Big Brother Mzansi rolls on, the spotlight now isn’t just on the housemates but on those watching from the sidelines.

While Sweet Guluva continues to charm his way through the competition, the real drama may be playing out in tweets, comment threads, and Instagram stories.

And if this week has proven anything, it’s that in today’s reality TV landscape, the audience can be just as fiery—and unpredictable—as the show itself.