Somizi “Somgaga” Mhlongo may have been absent from this week’s Idols SA show, but fans of the maverick television personality made sure Mnet heard their plea. Following revelations about his private life, Somizi has been absent from this year’s edition of Idols.
Why Somizi left Idols
Somizi, who joined the Idols judging panel in 2015, to work alongside Unathi, Gareth Cliff and the permanently grumpy Randall Abrahams, withdrew this year in August after husband, Mohale Motaung, made allegations of marital abuse. Television channel, Mnet is reputed for its zero tolerance to scandal and Somizi was jettisoned from the show. To explain the absence of the Sarafina actor, Mnet stated that “Somizi Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved.” Which is business English for Somizi is cancelled
The Mohale abuse claims not only cost Somizi his seat on the Idols judging panel but also his job at Metro FM. Just like with Mnet, Somizi’s absence from the radio station was explained as “time off” but Metro FM went on to comment on the abuse allegations.
“The Corporation has also noted the comments on social media about Mr. Mhlongo and we would like to point out that the public service broadcaster does not condone any acts of abuse and violence” said their statement.
Zero tolerance to scandal
When Mohale’s allegations became public, fans of eccentric Somizi supported their favourite Idols judge. Even with public support for Somizi, the dance choreographer was always likely to be released from his Idols job. With major media brands competing for advertisers, corporations such as Mnet and Metro FM demand that employees and business partners maintain an impeachable record. Somgaga joins the likes of Sjava and former Outsurance ambassador, Katlego Maboe who were left out in the cold for conduct in their private lives.
After denying the abuse allegations made against him, Somizi confirmed that he and Mohale are getting a divorce.
On Sunday, Idols fans voiced their displeasure about Somizi’s absence via social network site Twitter. The topic “Somizi” remained at the top of the Twitter trends list, spilling over into Monday.
https://twitter.com/denzelkarupa/status/1439624174818009093?s=20
https://twitter.com/sesilizzy1/status/1439626610278379521?s=20
https://twitter.com/Keamo_KeaMorake/status/1439615671126667272?s=20
#idolssa must just swallow their pride and bring back Somizi. The show is now boring pic.twitter.com/jmeDFSyOjN
— Lethabo.M (@Lethabo_fm) September 19, 2021
Although the public has spoken, it remains to be seen whether Mnet have heard their plea.
