David Tlale denies sexual assault allegations

Fashion designer extraordinaire David Tlale has broken his silence after sex allegations against him surfaced at the weekend.

Rape and exploitation accusations were made against him on Instagram by user Zack (handle @mrzackiekins) on Sunday.

David, who has been a fashion designer for more than 19 years, has dismissed all allegations and told TshisaLIVE they were false and malicious. 

“Some very serious and quite damning allegations levelled against me and my professional brand have surfaced over the weekend. These allegations are categorically false and only seek to cause me serious harm and also seek to undermine the lived experiences of those who are real victims of sexual assault of any nature.

“While I consult with my internal team of experts on this matter, this shall be the first and only comment on this issue until I am advised otherwise,” he said.

The young entrepreneur, known only as Zack, spoke about his experience as an employee at African Fashion International (AFI) three years ago.

In his post, Zack alleged he was drugged, sexually abused and professionally exploited by the veteran designer.

“I was charmed and inspired by him. A role model to me at the time, and to cut the long story short, he drugged and sexually abused me. He then exploited me for my skills during the pandemic,” Zack wrote.

“He would ask I write him pressers, sponsorship proposals and other strategies/copy, promise to pay me — often in clothing — but wouldn’t actually. And when I’d remind him, he’d get defensive and gaslight me.”

Read his full account below: