GAY CELEB IN COURT

Local gay celebrity Somizi Mhlongo appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday after being arrested for indecent assault.

It is claimed that the choreographer, actor and TV host sexually assaulted a 28-year-old male fan (some reports say the man was 20 years old) who asked him for a lift and an autograph.

Reports say that he is alleged to have fondled the man’s “private parts” at his home. It is not know if the man agreed to go to Mhlongo’s residence.

The un-named man laid a charge at the Douglasdale Police Station, which led to Mhlongo’s arrest on Thursday. He was released on R2000 bail, without being asked to plead, and ordered to appear in court again on February 5 next year.

Mhlongo is best known for the television talk show, Intimate Connexionz, which he hosted in his drag persona of Madam Gigi. He also appeared in movies such as Sarafina and Cry the Beloved Country, and was one of the subjects of the documentary Black Beulahs. Although he has a son, Mhlongo is openly gay.

Media reports on the weekend smacked of homophobia, with the Saturday Star including the incident within an article on paedophilia and celebrities, while others chose to focus on Mhlongo’s clothing and flamboyance.

Sapa reported that, “He carried an embroidered glittering diamante black leather bag and his hair was in pink and blonde braids. Wearing a black bikers’ jacket, a lime top and tight-fitting jeans, Mhlongo cut a lonely figure while seated in the public gallery, as he scanned the room for his entourage or fans.”