Feathers considering calls to strip Zodwa of her award

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Zodwa Wabantu (Instagram)

Following her recent homophobic comments, the organisers of the Feather Awards are addressing calls to strip Zodwa Wabantu of her 2017 award.

The entertainer sparked a national row after she stereotyped gay men as bitchy, difficult and wanting to be women on her reality show Zodwa Wabantu: Uncensored.

She also stated on Saturday’s episode that women simply tolerate gay men and suggested that they should be grateful.

The furore has led to demands from organisations and individuals for the show to be cancelled and for broadcaster DSTV and channel Moja Love to speak out against Wabantu, who remains unrepentant.

Wabantu had previously been regarded as a friend to the LGBTQ community. In 2017, she won the Drama Queen of the Year award at the 9th Feather Awards, which honours LGBTQ and allied celebrities. She also performed at the high profile event.

The Feathers have been urged to recall the award as a sign of the community’s anger and disappointment at the star’s views.

Speaking to MambaOnline, Feather Awards co-founder Thami Kotlolo confirmed that his office had received these requests and was considering what steps to take.

“The Feathers does not have a relationship with Zodwa. I am of the view that she needs to apologise and account for her irresponsible statements, as do the producers and the channel that allowed them to be aired,” said Kotlolo.

He noted that he and his organisation had already condemned Wabantu’s comments on social media. “We have received all the requests from LGBTI bodies and the community and allies and it is in review. We will communicate something on what our position is soon,” Kotlolo said.

Meanwhile, a petition demanding that the reality show be cancelled has received more than 7,200 signatures. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) has also confirmed it has received complaints about Wabantu’s statements.

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