Viewers threaten to boycott ‘Umkhokha’ following Kini Shandu’s post
‘Umkhokha’ actor Kini Shandu’s problems are piling up since receiving backlash on social media for his views on women.
Umkhokha: The Curse producers, Word of Mouth Production, are under pressure to fire actor Kininonke “Kini” Shandu following his misogynistic remarks two weeks ago.
Sunday World reports that viewers of the Mzansi Magic telenovela are threatening to stop watching the show should Shandu not be dropped.
ALSO READ: ‘He made me feel so worthless’: Presenter on working with ‘Umkhokha’s’ Kini Shandu
‘UMKHOKHA’ CREATORS UNDER PRESSURE TO FIRE KINI SGANDU
Shandu, who is a former Daily Thetha co-host, took to his Facebook account two weeks ago to state his views on women who conceive children out of wedlock.
ALSO READ: Savita remembers Vuyo Mbuli: ‘A life lived with a purpose’
The former Gagasi FM presenter’s remarks angered a number of people as he referred to women who have kids out of wedlock as umdlambila (naughty women). In his now-deleted Facebook post, he said that women who have children before getting married are a disgrace to their parents.
ALSO READ: ‘I love your acting’: ‘Umkhokha: The Curse’ Mamzobe praises Mlungisi
Shandu later apologised on social media, saying his comments were a joke.
“Critically, it is important to clarify that the statement in question does not align with my genuine beliefs, the utmost respect that I have for women, and my commitment towards the promotion of their rights and empowerment,” Shandu said.
“I understand how my words may paint a contrasting picture, and I am truly regretful for any contradiction and disappointment this may have caused.”
ALSO READ: ‘She’s boring’: ‘Umkhokha: The Curse’ fans unhappy with Kwanele Mthethwa
MULTICHOICE RESPONDS
Multichoice spokesperson, Portia Hlongwane, distanced the company from the actor’s views.
“The apology he posted is a sign of desperation, since he can see that food is vanishing from his plate.
“Although Mr Shandu’s views do not align with the stance of the channel, he has issued an apology for his remarks. For any inquiries, we kindly suggest reaching out to Mr. Shandu directly.”
ALSO READ: ‘Umkhokha’ actor under fire for distasteful remarks about women
SPONSORS PULL OUT
Since his misogynistic post, Shandu has been facing disciplinary action from the Sebenza Women Awards’ disciplinary committee which said that he will no longer be the face, despite being the co-founder of the event.
The popular event has also lost two main sponsors, BMW and Oceans Mall, due to bad publicity.