Shock as Mr Gay World 2021 Louw Breytenbach resigns
Less than two months after being crowned Mr Gay World 2021, South Africa’s Louw Breytenbach has returned the title, claiming that the pageant’s contract is “unconstitutional and opaque”. The competition’s organisers, however, have denied both his claims and his account of what happened.
In a sensational statement issued by his representative, Breytenbach said he’d refused to sign the contract offered to him by the organisers after he was crowned at the end of October which led to “a back and forth legal battle”. Breytenbach, who describes himself as a TV presenter and actor, said that, as a result, his relationship with the pageant executives had deteriorated over the last few months.
According to Breytenbach, the contract stipulates that the organisation be his exclusive agent when he lands any bookings or acting roles. “I already have an agent who looks after my TV interest. I don’t need them to manage whatever TV opportunities I get. My suggestion was that they manage me based on opportunities pertaining to the pageant and my role as Mr Gay World,” he said.
Breytenbach also alleges that the first contract that he was given mentioned remuneration but that this was removed from an amended version. In addition, he claims that the contract imposed a 5,000 euros penalty if he were to leave the pageant for whatever reason.
“This penalty is unlawful. What if they are in breach of contract, should I still pay the penalty? This does not make sense,” said Breytenbach. He further expressed “concern” that the organisers allegedly refused to divulge how funds are used for the Mr Gay World Foundation.
“I think it is my right to know what happens to money that I raise for the organisation in my capacity as Mr Gay World,” Breytenbach asserted. “I led the gay Pride march in Namibia last weekend and was not given anything towards my expenses. But I was reprimanded via their lawyers to tag the organisation in all social media posts,” he said.
Breytenbach alleges Mr Gay World officials refused to meet with him and his lawyers to resolve the matter. This week, he instructed his lawyers to draw up his letter of resignation.
Breytenbach stated: “I think my image was being abused because I was already a media personality before I entered. I am disappointed as I really thought the Mr Gay World competition was a platform I could use to broaden my charity work. I also thought they had the interests of the LGBTIQ+ community at heart. Sadly, I was wrong.”
Mr Gay World has now responded to Breytenbach’s statement and claims, describing them as unfortunate, inaccurate, and defamatory.
“Mr Gay World confirms it has received the resignation of the current title holder, Louw Breytenbach from South Africa, following a contractual dispute, despite our best attempts to resolve the matter amicably and reasonably,” said the organisation.
“We also note the unfortunate press release issued on Mr Breytenbach’s behalf which includes a series of defamatory allegations about the organisation and its officials. We strongly refute these allegations and thoroughly reject Mr Breytenbach’s version of the events as described.”
Mr Gay World said it is meeting with its legal team “to decide what steps to take and will not issue any further comment for the moment.”
Contracts are not needed to be a good human. Contracts are needed to cover your arse. Good for you Louw, you don’t need their sash. You were a fighter for human rights before and remain so after. Your statement in Namibia says a lot about you, social media tags not required.
I truly feel that al charity work of an organization of this magnitude should be open for public view. I fully support Louw Breytenbach and commend him on taking these steps in the name of right and righteous. Furthermore, in aid of the organization and its growth, they should stand behind their title holder and support him in his endeavors not only financially but also to motivate and support. This candidate was chosen at the end of the day to represent the brand but it isn’t his responsibility to build the brand at he’s expense. One’s mission is to collaborate in doing good, that is what these platforms stand for but it is to often noticed that it becomes a cash cow. Best of luck to Louw in his future endeavors, I support you all the way.
It was the right decision. The amount of uncertainties and liabilities on Louw is unfair to bear.
Don’t mess with an African. We don’t take shit. Get your affairs in order, organisers!! Transparency or go home!
I felt there were two major red flags when I was viewing the 2020 and 2021 Mr Gay World competitions. First, the fact that they were charging in order to vote, I can understand a flat fee and organizational costs. What did that money go to considering there was no in person event? Second, there were several large sponsors for the events (which I’m sure paid to be involved) and yet there were no prize packages or brand sponsorships for the winners… Just the honor of being called Mr Gay World. Now adding this new information of lack of transparency with charitable giving, and the overly controlling contracts I have lost faith in the organization completely. Louw, I applaud your integrity and standing for what you believe in. If anything you have shown you are more than a sash wearer, or model. You are a role model for our community. Thank you!
Well done Louw, for standing up for what you believe in and have worked for, what is fair and right… we know this was no easy decision but we are all right behind you. You are and always will be an inspiration to many people and we support you in this.
#nosashneeded
Such a disappointment to the brand and organisation. I stand fully with Louw. The charity work should be fully open to the public for anyone to view.
I support you all the way Louw.
Good for you Louw!