Loyiso Bala apologises to the LGBTQ+ community
The Twitter jury is still out on whether musician Loyiso Bala has managed to get himself out of a sticky situation, after apologising to the LGBTQ+ community this week for a post about his brother Phelo that nearly collapsed the internet.
Loyiso earned himself a seat at the very top of the Twitter trends list when he wished Phelo a happy 28th birthday and shared a piece of advice he had given him over the last few weeks.
"As I said to him, 'I’m in no position to judge you but to love you and to always point you to Christ. Your relationship with him will define your life’s purpose,'” Loyiso wrote.
Tweeps accused the star of being homophobic and "hiding his homophobia behind religion".
Loyiso defended his message and said he was not being judgmental, but continued to get dragged.
With respect, the bigger irony is to seemingly judge someone for HOW there were born ... ON their BIRTHday!! 🤷🏿♂️
— DJ Fresh (Big Dawg) (@DJFreshSA) March 26, 2019
The star eventually returned to Twitter on Tuesday evening to apologise to all those offended by the post.
On Sunday, I tweeted a post that offended the LGBTI community. I sincerely apologize as it was not my intention to hurt anyone, but to express my love for my brother. I am against all forms of discrimination and I support all who strive for equal rights and social justice.
— Loyiso Bala (@loyisomusic) March 26, 2019
But social media can't decide whether this apology was genuine or not.
Some applauded Loyiso for apologising, while others claimed he had said sorry to keep the peace.
Here are some of the reactions:
You were probably advised by your team to apologise. You initially didn't see anything wrong with your tweet and you probably still don't but alas..... 🤷
— Smile. (@Trixx_Ray) March 26, 2019
It’s tough being a celebrity 🙆🏾♀️
— Lu†endo Magoro (@LutendoMagoro) March 26, 2019
Honestly there was nothing wrong
— COMBI COURTS (@_Sebestian_) March 26, 2019
I believe that the lgbt community should respect the Christian believe system as much as they expect Christians to respect theirs.
— Xavier Hendricks (@XavierH_SA) March 26, 2019
You express love in a very funny way Sir🤨
— MogauBlackqueen (@mogausebeka) March 26, 2019
Anyone who knows you would have known that your intention was not to discriminate
— Ps. Kevin Maduray (@PsKevin_2912) March 26, 2019
It take a wise man and brave one to apologise so u deserve intlonipho bhuti 👏👏👏
— Theo Mbovane (@MbovaneTheo) March 26, 2019