DID SOMIZI MHLONGO SNUB HIS GAY FANS?
Somizi Mhlongo stars in Reality Check
It seems that choreographer and socialite Somizi Mhlongo isn’t interested in opening up to his gay fans.
Mambaonline recently reached out to e.tv to arrange an interview with the controversial star, who’s been in showbiz since he was a teen, and was rudely snubbed.
Mhlongo, musician Bongani Fassie and actress Boitumelo Thulo have been starring in the channel’s Reality Check, in which the trio set out to do good deeds in various communities.
Many consider Mhlongo something of a gay icon in South Africa thanks to his openness about his sexuality and for hosting the 2005 TV talk show Intimate Connexionz as his drag alter ego Madame Gigi.
When we contacted e.tv publicist Andrew Ledwaba about an interview with Mhlongo to discuss the show, his career and his life as a gay celebrity, Ledwaba promised to forward our request to the star’s manager.
The response from Mhlongo’s management was abrupt and unexpected: “Unfortunately Somizi will not be interested in such a publication.” No other explanation was offered.
“It’s sad that Somizi took that decision,” commented Mambaonline Editor Luiz DeBarros. “Mambaonline may not be a major mainstream publication but we are the biggest gay and lesbian medium in the country – and we’ve interviewed the likes of Brenda Fassie, Ryk Neethling, Justice Edwin Cameron, Lira and Toya Delazy, to name just a few, over the years.”
He added: “It’s disappointing when gay and lesbian celebrities don’t support our still fledgling gay media. This could have been an opportunity for this groundbreaker to have shared aspects of his life with young gay South Africans who remain in desperate need of successful role models. We certainly hope he’ll reconsider at some point.”
Reality Check is on e.tv on Saturdays at 6pm.
That is disappointing. Mambaonline at least deserves some explanation. Which South African celebrity can so carelessly dismiss the opportunity for (free) publicity?
I have interacted with Somizi on both a professional an personal level and I think there is more to his response than meets the eye. He is alsways keen to discuss and encourage young people not limited to the homosexual community and I do think that his people will clarify the issue.
This is disappointing and I hope you’re right Nhlanhla.
It would be great for Mambaonline to interview a variety of people in different fields who are either members or genuine supporters of the LGBTIQ community.
This doesn’t surprise me. I once encountered Somizi at a fashion show – and he was (to put it bluntly) rude and obnoxious. I can never work out why time and effort is spent on minor celebs who think bad behaviour is their God-given right.