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Open Chats Podcast faces backlash over offensive remarks

JOHANNESBURG — 23 May 2024

Hosts of the Open Chats Podcast have sparked outrage after making derogatory comments about South Africa’s coloured community in a now-deleted episode.

Social media backlash erupted against hosts Mthokozisi, Lefa, Busiswa, and Sonwabile following their remarks posted online. The viral clip contained offensive generalisations about coloured families and personal relationships. (social media reactions)

One host allegedly claimed during the podcast: “Apparently Coloureds chow (have sex with) each other” (unverified). A co-host responded: “I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy” (unverified).

The hosts reportedly reinforced each other’s statements, suggesting mental instability within the community (unverified). Online users condemned the comments as deeply racist and harmful.

Many called for an apology and platform removal. Twitter user @LeratoPillayZA wrote: “I stand with Gayton on the Open Chats issue. If Blacks are offensive towards Indians, coloureds or whites: THEY SHOULD ACCOUNT. We can’t tolerate Racism from any group. They have to apologise and own up to their wrongdoing.”

Others criticised the podcast format. @enzosabela posted: “People have been complaining about the Open Chats podcast for ages, and now they’re getting heat for the things they say. They don’t discuss matters of substance; it’s all sex, groove and nonsense.”

@IMatterthereal added: “It was just a matter of time, and I believe that we all saw this coming. Open Chats isn’t a podcast bro . It is just a gossip-meeting platform, they get together to gossip, insult and degrade people. All in the name of ‘we are open chats and we are controversial.’”

The podcast hosts had not issued a public response by publication time. (no response available)