Unathi apologises for Twitter rant

27 August 2015 - 18:22 By Times LIVE
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THUMBS DOWN: Unathi Msengana, one of the 'Idols' judges
THUMBS DOWN: Unathi Msengana, one of the 'Idols' judges
Image: BAFANA MAHLANGU

Following her suspension from Metro FM, Unathi Msengana has apologised for directly contacting a Twitter follower and making rude remarks to them.

"Two days ago, on radio, I expressed an opinion on the language policy at Stellenbosch University. Thereafter my opinion became the subject of a Twitter debate," said the Idols SA judge in a statement on Thursday.

"Unfortunately some of the subsequent commentary criticised me in ways that I felt badly violated my personal life and my personal beliefs," said Msengana.

Her apology comes after she faced flack for asking questions related to Stellenbosch University's language policy.

Some took Msengana's comments as her defending the policy and as a result she trended on Twitter. A Twitter user who retweeted a hashtag with Unathi's name bore the brunt of the DJ's frustration who made several rude comments to her.

Msengana was taken off air after the SABC stated she had compromised the brand.

"To be cast as an advocate for rape, gender inequality and homophobia when I am passionate about ending these social ills, was extremely shocking.

"As a result, in what I have come to realise was a bad attempt to defend myself, I reacted by engaging directly with a Twitter follower. However, as upset as I was at that time, I should not have used offensive language.

"I therefore wish to publicly apologise for my choice in language," said Msengana.

She added she would not tolerate cyber bullying but concluded she would exercise more responsibility on the social network site.

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