If you’ve been on the internet today, you’ve likely seen SA personality and presenter, Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung’s name being read in the context of abuse allegations reportedly by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung. But what is actually going on?
Context: Why people were shocked when the abuse allegations came out
It’s no secret that Somizi has publicised much of his life. Whether it be a trip to the doctor telling him to cut alcohol (in a comedic fashion) or his dream life as showcased on Living the Dream with Somizi, many people felt they knew the person behind the screen (which of course social media and television has a knack for doing this). When we look at the marriage of the two, it was painted out to be what society thrives on… perfection. Just go back to their wedding special, Somizi & Mohale: The Union on Showmax to reiterate the image being presented. Now, when the publication Sunday World reported that Mohale had supposedly referenced specific abuse allegations, you might understand why people were so shocked. It didn’t only defy what was being portrayed, it absolutely shattered it.
Sunday World
This is the preface that the publication kicks off with:
“The jaw-dropping details are contained in a recorded interview with the producers of Living the Dream with Somizi. It is not known if the interview will still be aired.” At this venture, the situation is very much a ‘he apparently said’ situation. Still, it’s a massive allegation to ensue.
The allegations included shattering perceptions. Including the gorgeous televised wedding of the couple. Mohale was apparently already “afraid” of Somizi during their vow exchange. In terms of direct abuse, Mohale supposedly expressed that Somizi, in a fit of rage had broken his ribs and two teeth.
Another allegation of abuse reportedly came from Motaung’s lips, telling a source that just three weeks into their relationship, Somizi had threatened him with a knife after Motaung had spent the night at a friend of his.
“I took my keys and walked out, he took a knife. I was about to exit, so he said to me, ‘if you exit… I’m going to kill us both.’ So I took my keys and ran. He grabbed the knife and said ‘if you walk out, I’m going to stab you.’ Now I see a different person. I was sh*t scared and walked back into the house. He said ‘let’s talk.’ He cried and we moved on,” the media outlet quoted Motaung as saying.
People are trying to piece together the truth:
After the alleged exposé was released, Twitter detectives went on somewhat of a mission. It was recalled that Mohale had tweeted something about Gender-based violence earlier this year. Taking into context the new ‘interview’ people thought this might have been a sub-tweet.
Abusers and making it look like you are the crazy one when they know exactly what they do to you behind closed doors. ???
— Mohale Motaung (@mohale_motaung) May 9, 2021
Somizi responds to allegations:
Press Statement on behalf of Mr. Somizi Mhlongo for immediate release RE: Sunday World Allegations.
“Mr Somizi Mhlongo has become aware of allegations allegedly made against him by his estranged husband, Mr Mohale Motaung, published in the Sunday World newspaper on 1 August 2021,” the statement said.
“Given the severity of the allegations, Mr Mhlongo has referred the matter to his legal team who are best equipped to handle the matter moving forward.
“No further comment will be given until such a time deemed necessary by his legal representatives.”
Of their marriage status:
As IOL Entertainment confers:
“Earlier this year, Somizi spoke candidly about his marriage and hitting the one-year challenge mark.The star said he and Mohale experienced good and bad patches in their relationship.
“It’s exactly as any other relationship; it’s got its ups and its downs and, at the moment, we are facing that one year challenge of a marriage, we are facing that and I am not ashamed of that.”
They are still married despite Somizi not following his husband on socials.
This is a developing story.
Picture: Showmax