Showmax’s reality show Unfollowed has social media users divided and giving their two cents' worth on how some of South Africa's celebrities got cancelled because of different accusations or their behaviours.
The show, hosted by news anchor Thembekile Mrototo premiered on August 23 with an episode that featured Lady Zamar, who told her alleged rape story. She detailed how musician Jabulani “Sjava” Hadede allegedly raped her in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, in 2017 after a concert.
READ: The blurred lines of consent: Lady Zamar claps back at her social media haters
On Wednesday, viewers were treated to comedian Mongezi “Toll A$$ Mo” Mahlangu’s cancellation story. He was cancelled in 2020 after actress and model Lerato Moloi claimed that he had raped her in 2014. His case was dismissed without trial in August 2022.
Being acquitted of a crime or having your charges dropped doesn’t mean you’re innocent or aren’t a rapist.
— ???????? (@whydntyouluvme) September 7, 2023
That’s not how the law works. Tol Ass Mo is delusional. ?? #Unfollowed #UnfollowedShowmax
In the show, the comedian who separated from his wife and mother of his children Mome Mahlangu after being married for 10 years, opened up to Mrototo about the impact that the accusation had on his mental health, his family and his career.
He said his life changed in less than 72 hours following the tweet that was posted by Moloi. Mahlangu, who appeared to be highly irritated and emotional, revealed what it was like to have people believe the allegations against him:
Mahlangu said the allegations affected his mental health.
READ: Do we really need Showmax’s new show Unfollowed?
He added:
"I have feminists who can't apologise to me today. They can see I'm vindicated, there it is, it states. How can my aura go and rape somebody? How can you say you got raped in Cape Town, but the person you are accusing is in Gauteng? All I can say is I always love and respect every woman that's in my presence.
"I was attacked by feminists left, right and centre. Feminists who still can't apologise to me today. I've got post-traumatic stress from being in a room with too many women. I get nervous. I sweat. I feel like I'm gonna be attacked."
Even though he revealed that he, at times wanted to commit suicide, he had forgiven Moloi because he could not be a traditional healer with a hardened heart.
In the episode, Mahlangu revealed that he was also involved with private investigator Mike Bolhuis in an NGO that supported men who claimed to have been falsely accused of rape. He also maintained that he was raped when he broke his virginity.
"I had sex with an older woman and I didn't know what the f**k I was doing. Is that not rape?" he asked.
TollAssMo spiralling out of control in his interview with Thembekile is not make sure ?? Why does he shout and swear so much? He is coming across as a walking ball of frustration, and I am sorry to say this but I think one small button this guy may take his life ????#Unfollowed
— ?With love, Rudzie???? (@RudzieRuna) September 7, 2023
His episode left viewers divided, with some saying he was emotional because the allegations broke him, while others said he was acting up because he was guilty.
I feel like tall ass mo has always been loud and expressive, so I dunno why people are shocked by this interview #unfollowed pic.twitter.com/dTKzCf1LgK
— Vuyelwa Ngema (@Vuyee_v) September 7, 2023
This interview ya Tall Pass Mo is giving RKelly with Gayle King #unfollowed pic.twitter.com/Otc0F1PPyc
— Tums (@_TumiMS) September 6, 2023
Other celebrities who are set to make an appearance include controversial television host Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye, content creator Mihlali, presenter Nonhle Thema, poet and musician Ntsiki Mazwai, media personality Phat Joe and actress Zoe Mthiyane.