Actress and television presenter Pearl Thusi has received backlash over her recent interview with retired comedian Tol Ass Mo.
Thusi interviewed Tol Ass Mo as part of the upcoming season 4 of Behind The Story. She was criticised over the decision to interview Tol Ass Mo given the current status of his on-going legal battle with model Lerato Moloi.
Moloi was served with a court order earlier this year to remove a tweet detailing her alleged #MeToo experience after one of the three men she named, comedian Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Ngcobondwane took legal action against her.
The court order obtained by Ngcobondwane in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court dictated that the tweet was to be removed 24 hours after the order was handed down.
Moloi refused to comply and was therefore found to be in contempt of court.
In a statement, BET Africa implied that Lerato will be given a chance to share her story as has been done for Tol Ass Mo.
The statement reads, “BET Africa and Behind The Story support the ongoing fight against Gender Based Violence. We are continuously creating content and using our platforms to amplify positive urgent change in attitudes and behaviors towards this sensitive issue. There is an immediate need to drive and champion education around this crucial societal issue. We confirm that Tol Ass Mo was recently interviewed for an upcoming season of Behind The Story with host Pearl Thusi. We are equally concerned about the seriousness of this matter and respect all the sensitivities involved. We will endeavor to engage with all parties concerned in order to cover all sides in relation to the interview.”
However on Twitter, South Africans did not have any kind words for Pearl Thusi with one user writing, “Pearl Thusi is rubbish and she’ll never change.Let’s put her aside for now.Has Lerato Moloi at least filed a case of rape with the police against TollAssMo?” Another said Pearl Thusi was tone deaf, “Pearl Thusi is the most tone deaf person in South Africa. what an obtuse human being.”