South African media personality Minnie Dlamini has firmly rejected podcaster Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho’s public apology following his derogatory comments about her on his show, “Podcast and Chill.” Dlamini announced her intention to pursue legal action, stating that the apology lacked genuine accountability and failed to address the trauma inflicted by his remarks.
The controversy began when MacG speculated about Dlamini’s personal hygiene and questioned her ability to maintain relationships during a podcast episode discussing her breakup with plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Monaisa. His comments were widely condemned as misogynistic and offensive, sparking backlash from advocacy groups, media outlets, and government officials.
In response to the criticism, MacG issued a public apology, expressing regret for his statements and inviting Dlamini to appear on his podcast to resolve the matter. However, Dlamini dismissed the apology as insufficient, emphasizing that it came only after public pressure threatened MacG’s reputation. She highlighted the need for genuine accountability and stated that she would continue with legal proceedings to stand up against the normalization of misogyny in the entertainment industry.
The incident has reignited discussions about gender-based violence and the responsibility of media figures to uphold respectful discourse. Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike condemned MacG’s remarks, labeling them as a form of online gender-based violence and calling for greater accountability in media platforms.
As Dlamini proceeds with legal action, the situation underscores the broader societal issue of misogyny and the importance of holding individuals accountable for perpetuating harmful narratives. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for addressing similar incidents in the future.