WHEN it rains it pours.
Popular broadcaster M-Net has put media personality Somizi Mhlongo on ice.
The channel, which is responsible for the popular talent competition Idols SA in which Somizi is a judge, has announce it had granted the media personality some time off the show.
This follows a weekend exposé that entailed allegations of abuse from estranged husband, Mohale Mhlongo.
“M-Net and Mr Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols SA in light of the allegations against him and we have reached a mutual agreement Mr Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved,” the statement revealed.
According to M-Net, viewers and fans of the popular show will see Somizi until Sunday 22 August as the audition phase of the show was pre-recorded.
The statement by the channel followed right after Somizi released a lengthy statement, which he said he never thought the situation would come to this.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would one day defend my honour as a result of someone I loved so deeply and so genuinely deliberately harming a reputation that I worked so hard to build,” he said.
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Speaking about his relationship with Mohale, Somizi said their relationship has had its ups and downs.
“But I have never been physically or knowingly emotionally abusive towards my estranged husband. I vehemently deny the allegations of criminal acts towards him and would like to clear my name of that defamation.”
Somizi said they had one altercation where he had defended himself from him.
“What I am going to state, however, is that we had one altercation in which I had to defend myself and both of us were physically hurt by the other. I am at this stage not at liberty to dive deeper into the details but can state that he is not a victim in this situation,” read part of the statement.
Somizi also denied allegations he had sabotaged Mohale’s dreams of being part of Ferguson Films in many of their productions.
“I have been accused of sabotaging his efforts to be financially independent and can confirm that I have never made a concerted effort to block his networks. In fact, I have encouraged it. I have even, through my own channels, petitioned for opportunities for him to make money through my networks and I’ve amplified some of the work he’s done through his campaigns,” he said.
He also addressed the claims about their sex life, where one local publication revealed the star liked being fisted as well. The publication also claimed they had been to a doctors room many times to remove a dildo that is stuck inside of him.
“There have been publications of stories related to our sex life and a lot of what has been said is absolutely untrue. These are very personal matters and I would like to keep it as such.”
Somizi, who has been given time off by Metro FM, admitted the news of his abuse allegations have had a big reputational damage and were affecting his work and ability to make money.
He also confirmed he and Mohale were filing for divorce and that he only wished for the process to be finalised fairly and reasonably.
