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Last week Women24 spoke out about a sexist tweet that supported sexual violation. Women24 editor, Lili Radloff was interviewed on 2 Oceans Vibe FM about the pervasiveness of rape culture in South Africa, and how things like slut-shaming and victim blaming exacerbates the problem of sexual violence in our society.
Just a few days later another DJ from the same radio station made calls to sex workers, pretending to set up dates and getting them to share information on air.
A concerned listener, Debbie Robertson, wrote to Women24 about this incident.
“He called this woman and had a conversation with her while she had no idea that she was on the radio.
“After he hung up with her he described her as "useless" and said that "prostitutes" should not sound so boring on the phone, and he then wondered if she is also so boring in bed. He did this while laughing, and enjoying mocking her.
“Firstly Mister Kellman intentionally gave out and tried to retrieve information from these women which could be used to identify them. Their voices could be recognized, or the locations such as the hospital could be used to identify them. This is a broach of their privacy because they had no idea that they were live on the radio. Secondly, Mister Kellman is telling his listeners that it is okay to mock and prank call sex workers.” (Click for the whole letter.)
When Women24 called 2OVfm for a response we got one almost immediately.
The station was notified of the incident around 10am yesterday and by lunch time the DJ was relieved of his duties. They continued to say the following in a statement:
“His behaviour is completely inexcusable, and totally out of line with what we're trying to build as a responsible South African company in our time and place. It goes without saying that Kellman's behaviour is especially disappointing given the climate of violence against women that we find ourselves in as a society.
We sincerely hope that he makes a public apology.
From our side we regret having aired Kellman's show on Saturday, and Seth Rotherham adds that he personally apologises to any listeners who were justifiably offended.” (Click for the whole statement.)
Spokesperson for S.W.E.A.T, Ntokozo Yingwana emailed us about the incident:
"We commend 2OceansVibe for their swift action in taking Kellman off-air, in their public apology, and in their recognition of the link between such victimising behaviour and the broader climate of violence against women in South Africa.
We especially thank the listener who lodged her concern with the station - because whether you are a sex worker or not, everyone has the right to dignity.” (Click for the whole statement)
Mr. Kellman has sent Women24 a statement in response to the issue this morning.
This is what he wrote:
I realise that in today's climate, some may feel that I pushed the limits of what may be considered distasteful, but this was truly never my intention. I am 23 years-old and perhaps got caught up in the nature of live radio.
I have learnt my lesson in a very hard way and I understand the seriousness of the subject matter. I am absolutely 100% against gender violence or any other forms of violence am I am appalled that I might have seemed to encourage it.
Please accept this as a sincere apology.
I would like to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to raise awareness around gender inequality by any means I am able to do so, as a further indication that my intention was never to disrespect anyone.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Just a few days later another DJ from the same radio station made calls to sex workers, pretending to set up dates and getting them to share information on air.
A concerned listener, Debbie Robertson, wrote to Women24 about this incident.
“He called this woman and had a conversation with her while she had no idea that she was on the radio.
“After he hung up with her he described her as "useless" and said that "prostitutes" should not sound so boring on the phone, and he then wondered if she is also so boring in bed. He did this while laughing, and enjoying mocking her.
“Firstly Mister Kellman intentionally gave out and tried to retrieve information from these women which could be used to identify them. Their voices could be recognized, or the locations such as the hospital could be used to identify them. This is a broach of their privacy because they had no idea that they were live on the radio. Secondly, Mister Kellman is telling his listeners that it is okay to mock and prank call sex workers.” (Click for the whole letter.)
When Women24 called 2OVfm for a response we got one almost immediately.
The station was notified of the incident around 10am yesterday and by lunch time the DJ was relieved of his duties. They continued to say the following in a statement:
“His behaviour is completely inexcusable, and totally out of line with what we're trying to build as a responsible South African company in our time and place. It goes without saying that Kellman's behaviour is especially disappointing given the climate of violence against women that we find ourselves in as a society.
We sincerely hope that he makes a public apology.
From our side we regret having aired Kellman's show on Saturday, and Seth Rotherham adds that he personally apologises to any listeners who were justifiably offended.” (Click for the whole statement.)
Spokesperson for S.W.E.A.T, Ntokozo Yingwana emailed us about the incident:
"We commend 2OceansVibe for their swift action in taking Kellman off-air, in their public apology, and in their recognition of the link between such victimising behaviour and the broader climate of violence against women in South Africa.
We especially thank the listener who lodged her concern with the station - because whether you are a sex worker or not, everyone has the right to dignity.” (Click for the whole statement)
Mr. Kellman has sent Women24 a statement in response to the issue this morning.
This is what he wrote:
I realise that in today's climate, some may feel that I pushed the limits of what may be considered distasteful, but this was truly never my intention. I am 23 years-old and perhaps got caught up in the nature of live radio.
I have learnt my lesson in a very hard way and I understand the seriousness of the subject matter. I am absolutely 100% against gender violence or any other forms of violence am I am appalled that I might have seemed to encourage it.
Please accept this as a sincere apology.
I would like to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to raise awareness around gender inequality by any means I am able to do so, as a further indication that my intention was never to disrespect anyone.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
