FORMER 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff has been fired and will not be part of the judging panel for South African Idols season 12, which is due to commence with countrywide auditions at the end of this month.

M-Net made the announcement late last night in a statement, where it thanked the radio DJ for the critical role he has played in seeking out and developing new talent over the years and for contributing to the success of the show to date.

It comes after Cliff was embroiled in controversy regarding a race debate around estate agent, Penny Sparrow. Responding to questions on whether to criminalise racist posts on social media, Gareth Cliff said: “People really don’t understand free speech at all.”

He received criticism for the comment, with many labeling him a racist. It is believed Cliff will have his lawyers contest his dismissal.

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