Gareth Cliff Sparrowed
Radio disc jockey Gareth Cliff got dragged into the Penny Sparrow eye-of-the-storm after a misunderstood tweet he posted to social media on Monday.
Gopolang Chawane
Radio personality Gareth Cliff on Monday, came under fire when people thought his Twitter post was in support of Penny Sparrow’s racist post on Facebook.
Cliff posted ‘people really did not understand free speech at all’ sparking outrage from people who thought he was supporting Durban realtor, Penny Sparrow, who likened Durban beachgoers over the festive season to monkeys. Cliff’s tweet had been on the same day.
People really don't understand free speech at all: https://t.co/97MWi6jrww
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) January 4, 2016
It went viral as people responded.
Nomfundo Mcetywa wrote “Its simple boycott #cliffcentral.”
It's simple boycott #cliffcentral and #saidols if they continue with #GarethCliff. #RacistsMustFall
— Nomfundo Mcetywa (@MaMcetywa) January 5, 2016
“Gareth Cliff and his utterances. Who is he to tell people how to feel? Free Speech? Really dude?” said Mduduzi Seakamela.
#GarethCliff and his utterances. Who is he to tell people how to feel? Free speech? Really dude?
— Mduduzi Seakamela (@MduBeernong) January 5, 2016
Mickey Ramsey said “Gareth Cliff stealing the limelight as usual”.
https://twitter.com/Ramonatenat/status/684081349611896832
Cliff later on Tuesday, apologised: “I’ve been an insensitive ass… many times. This whole saga with the idiotic comments of Penny Sparrow has upset me, but I must acknowledge the pain and anger of so many on Twitter who thought I would, in any way, condone the things she said. If you thought I was on the side of a racist…
“I assume we were all already in agreement about how you can’t stand up for racism. If I didn’t make that clear, I apologise sincerely.
“With regard to free speech and hate speech, I need to continue my education.”
The Durban realtor’s post has sparked social media outrage and caught the attention of hundreds of celebrities.
The ruling party, ANC, has called for a law criminalising racism.
Moloto Mothapo, the ANC’s spokesperson in parliament, released a statement on Tuesday, saying the ANC would investigate enacting a law or amending existing legislation to ensure the acts of racism and promotion of apartheid are criminalised and punishable by imprisonment.
Also read:
Khumalo responds to Sparrow naming
DA lays charges against Penny Sparrow
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