Calls for Somizi to be taken off air over abuse allegations

South African Twitter is asking why Somizi Mhlongo is still on the airwaves in the wake of allegations by his husband Mohale Motaung that he was physically abused.

On Tuesday, Mohale and Somizi were trending on the social media platform with a growing number of users stating that they “believe Mohale” with regard to his claims.

Critics were outraged that despite the allegations, Mhlongo still participated in Metro FM’s ‘Ask a Man’ segment to offer listeners advice on their relationships.

“He is still on the show? Wow! You take physical abuse allegations very seriously,” said one person, while another asked: “With his marriage falling apart, is Somizi the right person to give advice on relationships???”

Some also called on MultiChoice to make a statement about the celebrity choreographer, cookbook author and television personality’s future as a judge on Idols SA.

MultiChoice told TVwithThinus that, “We are aware of the allegations made against Somizi Mhlongo. As a strong proponent of a violence-free South Africa, we view these allegations seriously and are giving them the attention they deserve”.

Over the weekend, Sunday World published Motaung’s allegations contained in an apparently leaked audio recording. In it, he said that he was “afraid” of his husband when they tied the knot.

He alleged that Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out two of his teeth in an altercation last year, and had once driven him off the road after a fight.

Motaung also alleged that just three weeks into their relationship, Mhlongo threatened to stab him with a kitchen knife after he stayed over at a friend’s house.

Mhlongo’s management responded that the matter has been referred to his legal team and “no further comment will be given until such a time deemed necessary by his legal representatives.”

Mhlongo’s supporters argue that no action should be taken against him as the claims of domestic violence have yet to be tested or proven. Motaung himself has remained silent on the matter since Sunday’s report was published.

The allegations have highlighted the often neglected issue of domestic abuse among same-sex couples. Some have argued that abuse in these relationships is often not taken as seriously as violence within opposite-sex couples.