FILM and TV actor David James deeply regrets the pain he caused actress Brenda Ngxoli.
The actor came out to apologise to Brenda for calling her a k****r while shooting the movie, Sew The Winter to My Skin in 2017. This after Brenda took to social media to share her experience.
In his apology, David (52) said he'd support every effort to discuss this matter again thoroughly.
“I deeply regret any hurt that Ms Ngxoli felt. I am sorry that this regrettable incident still haunts her seven years later. I state unequivocally that I invite any further investigation of this incident by any competent authority including the Human Rights Commission,” said David.
According to David, the incident took place when they were travelling back from set and they were engaged in a discussion in the cast vehicle about the political era and setting of the script, their respective characters and together they reflected on racial epithets.
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“The next morning there was mutual banter between Ms Ngxoli and I, both of us using some of these pejorative phrases, which included the K word, in mutual understanding of our facetiousness,” said David.
He said during a meeting after Brenda complained, he realised that his conduct was seen as being offensive and inappropriate.
“I immediately and unreservedly apologised to Ms Ngxoli and the producers. After the discussion, Ms Ngxoli and I shook hands and I apologised once again for the hurt that she had felt,” he said.
Brenda told Daily Sun upon reporting David to production, she was given a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which she didn’t sign.
“No production lawyers were able to force me. Even the withholding of my remuneration did not make me cave. Payment was made way months on end later without me following it up,” said Brenda.
She said she did not report the matter to the police as she didn't have time.
“I cried the whole day thanking God because I had to cry in the scene I was supposed to shoot and it came in handy,” said Brenda.
