Tensions flared at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards afterparty this past weekend, as a confrontation between queer celebrity Somizi Mhlongo and anti-LGBTQ+ former radio host Ngizwe Mchunu unfolded.
According to videos circulating on social media, Mchunu approached Mhlongo and attempted to greet him at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Mhlongo declined to shake his hand and instructed security not to allow Mchunu into the VIP area.
In the footage, Mhlongo is heard saying “No” before entering the tent, while his bodyguard informs Mchunu that he cannot enter.
Mchunu is then seen directing insults at the bodyguard and using homophobic language.
Somizi Mhlongo refused to shake hands with Ngizwe Mchunu and instructed a security guard not to allow him into their VIP tent.
Ngizwe Mchunu then lost his cool and responded with insults. pic.twitter.com/IVREuBzXzl
— Inqubeko News Channel (@Inqubeko_news) April 25, 2026
Mchunu responds, cites “professionalism”
In an interview following the incident, Mchunu criticised Mhlongo’s actions and described the encounter as disrespectful.
“What Somizi did to disrespect me like that by having his gay bodyguards stop me, I was not rushing to him as a result, as if I want to bow down to him, but I was showing remorse of being professional,” he said.
He added: “Even him, as a person who works at SABC and as a person who has worked in the industry for a long time, I expected a response of a professional person because today as we speak, Cyril Ramaphosa is in Swaziland at 40th ceremony of the King of Swati being on the throne. We saw Ramaphosa, we saw former president Jacob Zuma all of them sharing jokes.”
Mchunu continued: “If you know Ramaphosa and Zuma are enemies, serious enemies but they behaved professionally… So, professionalism is important.”
His remarks escalated further: “Stop being angry and stop behaving like a bitch, Somizi, and be professional.”
The interviewer wanted to laugh😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/HRyGgYsewH
— Football Around (@Ron_YNWA) April 27, 2026
Incident follows previous anti-LGBTQ+ remarks
The incident follows controversy involving Mchunu’s past statements about the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2025, Mchunu faced backlash after posting videos in response to a same-sex traditional wedding, in which he stated that he “hates” the LGBTQIA+ community and criticised same-sex couples participating in cultural practices.
The remarks led to public criticism and a complaint being lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission, citing alleged hate speech and incitement.
Mchunu continued making public statements at the time, including remarks directed at queer individuals and references to Mhlongo.
He was also accused of inciting violence after leading a group of men to KwaMai-Mai, a popular Johannesburg venue, to allegedly confront LGBTQ+ people who wear traditional attire.
Speaking on Ukhozi FM on Monday, Mhlongo addressed the incident, saying he had no regrets about not greeting Mchunu. “That would have been a betrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community,” he explained.
Backlash over language and conduct
Videos of the afterparty spat continue to circulate widely, with particular focus on Mchunu’s use of homophobic language during the exchange.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of his past statements and raised ongoing concerns about the presence of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in public spaces.
In addition to his anti-LGBTQ+ actions, Mchunu has also been criticised for his stance on foreign nationals in South Africa, with claims of xenophobia.
As the fallout continues, the confrontation has become another flashpoint in a broader conversation about accountability and the impact of harmful speech directed at queer communities.
