By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@AustinMalema.
TV personality Somizi Mhlongo has released an official statement following physical abuse allegations made against him by enstranged husband Mohale Motaung.
On Sunday, the couple made headlines around the country when Mohale, in a shocking audio interview obtained by SundayWorld, accused his husband of abuse – dating back as early as three weeks into their relationship.
The Idols SA judge has remained mum on the allegations made against him and released a statement on Friday,addressing the explosive allegations made against him.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would one day have to defend my honour as a result of someone I have loved so deeply and so genuinely deliberately harming a reputation I’ve worked so hard to build, [sic]” he started the lengthy statement.
About his tumultuous marriage to the Rockville actor, he said: “It is incredibly painful that what I thought would be a beautiful new normal for the rest of my life with the love of my life is no longer what will happen.”
The Idols SA judge said that just as viewers watched him and Mohale exchange vows in their record-breaking Showmax wedding special Somizi & Mohale: The Union, “You are now audience to what has sadly become a breakup between two people laced by defamation, false but very serious accusations and interference from supposedly close and reliable sources. [sic]”
About claims made by Mohale that he physically abused him, Somizi “vehemently denied the allegations of criminal acts against him,” saying he had never knowingly been physically or emotionally abusive toward his now estranged husband.
He did, however, state: “We had one altercation in which I had to defend myself and both of us were physically hurt by the other.” Not going into further details about the events that transpired, he said that Mohale was “not the victim” during the incident.
Somizi also dismissed claims that he tried to “sabotage” Mohale’s career and efforts to be financially independent, saying it was untrue.
On matters pertaining to their sex life, Somizi said: “These are very personal private matters, and I would like to keep it as such.”
The choreographer further went on to label the claims made against him as a “smear campaign,” saying that his leave of absence from Metro FM was a result of the above-mentioned allegations against him.
Somizi confirmed that divorce proceedings were underway and would be finalised “fairly and responsibly”. He added that he had taken legal steps to address the “serious” allegations made against him.
Mohale has also confirmed that he is in the process of divorcing entertainer and his estranged husband Mhlongo.
He detailed various instances in which Mhongo is said to have broken his ribs, loosened a tooth, run his car off the road, and threatened him with a knife.
“I wish to confirm that we are indeed in the process of a divorce. I wish to make it clear that it has never been my intention to have the private details of my marriage exposed in the public nor will it ever be my intention to cause disrepute to his image,” Motaung said in a statement.
He explained that the conversation heard in the recordings he had with the producer was held in confidence.
Meanwhile M-Net has issued a statement saying media personality Mhlongo’s role on Idols SA has been put on ice as he deals with abuse allegations made against him by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung.
“M-Net and Mr Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols SA in light of the allegations made against him. We have reached a mutual agreement that Mr Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved,” read the statement.
“Viewers will still see Mr Mhlongo on their screens until August 22 2021 as the audition shows for Idols SA were pre-recorded.”
This comes after it was announced Somizi was taking a break from Metro FM.
“The SABC can confirm Metro FM management met with Mr Somizi Mhlongo and he has requested to take some time off from work. Management has granted Mr Mhlongo permission to do so,” read a statement from the SABC.