Pearl Thusi faces backlash as her old video mocking Bonang resurfaces! Reality TV star and actress Pearl Thusi has sparked controversy on social media after addressing online trolls and sharing messages of self-love and positivity. What started as an effort to spread kindness quickly turned into a heated debate, with critics resurfacing an old video that reignited accusations of bullying and insensitivity.
Pearl Thusi’s Tweets Spark Debate
The drama began when Thusi tweeted about choosing happiness and staying true to oneself.
“Once you’re happy for YOU, no one can change how you should feel. Always choose YOU. And remember that God is the one who provides you with blessings other people don’t think you deserve,” she wrote.
In the video, Thusi and her friend, Linda Moeketsi, joked about a term popularized by DJ Euphonik, Matheba’s ex-boyfriend, who referred to her as “hlanyo” (a Zulu word for “crazy”) following their domestic violence scandal. Euphonik later profited from the term by releasing a line of T-shirts mocking Matheba.
In the resurfaced clip, Thusi and Moeketsi laughed about the term and jokingly asked Euphonik where they could get the T-shirts. Thusi added that she, Linda, and everyone else were “hlanyo.” Critics have since accused her of being an “abuse apologist” and siding with Euphonik against Matheba, a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV).
Bonang Matheba
Social Media Backlash
The resurfaced video reignited outrage, with many users accusing Thusi of hypocrisy and bullying.
@MsRebrand wrote: “You built your brand by being savage and shady towards Bonang. You and Phat Joe used to mock Bonang on your shows. And continued to bully Bonang for dating AKA while you gave him a free pass. You intentionally sided with her abuser. The public is returning your own energy.”
@2kspoiledbrat tweeted: “Not you, Mam, leave GOD out of this. Weren’t you bullying Bonang 24/7 cause you wanted brownie points from Zinhle? Went as far as mock her with Euphonik??? You deserve more lashings dear!!!!”
@sabz_2l commented: “You are a bully, a mean girl and an abuse apologist. You deserve far worse.”
@PetiteEbonyGirl added: “You bullied a GBV survivor. You’ll never live this down. You wore a ‘Hlanyo’ T-shirt. The North remembers.”
A Controversial Reputation
Thusi’s public persona has long been a topic of debate. Known for her outspoken nature, she has both fans and detractors. Critics argue that her history of mocking others, particularly women, undermines her current attempts to promote positivity and kindness.
This latest incident highlights the long-lasting impact of past actions, particularly in the age of social media, where nothing is ever truly forgotten.
Pearl Thusi
Calls for Accountability
While some fans have defended Thusi, arguing that people grow and change, others have demanded an apology for her past behavior. Many believe that her actions in 2016 contributed to a culture of bullying and insensitivity, particularly toward survivors of abuse.
Critics argue that promoting kindness and positivity should come with accountability for past mistakes. By addressing the controversy head-on and apologizing for her previous comments, Thusi could potentially mend some of the rift between herself and the public.
Broader Implications
The backlash against Thusi underscores the challenges faced by public figures in navigating the complexities of social media. Actions, even from years ago, can resurface and shape public perception, making accountability and growth essential for maintaining credibility.
As the debate continues, Thusi’s situation serves as a reminder that advocating for positivity must be matched with accountability and sensitivity to past actions. Whether she chooses to address the controversy directly or not remains to be seen, but the public discourse around her behavior highlights the enduring impact of social media and the importance of leading by example.