Somizi Breaks His Silence On Stealing Cooking Show Idea
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung has finally broken his silence and responded to stealing cooking show idea allegations.
Recently, Somizi has been trending on social media following some explosive evidence that he ripped off an idea from one of his fans and budding producer, Hastings Moeng, to start his hit cooking series, Dinner At Somizi’s.
The Idols South Africa judge took to Instagram Live on Thursday night and invited his friend, actress Pearl Thusi to interview him on the issue.
Somizi did not dispute that Hastings had approached him over the matter but he insisted that the budding producer should have copyrighted his idea first and approached him in a legal way.
Somgaga claimed that he was approached verbally by Hastings and that the e-mail that was sent was never opened. He further went to add that it is an old e-mail address and that he does not personally open his e-mails, adding that his PA, road manager, manager and his agency open them.
Somgaga claims he declined the idea as he was just about to start another career as an Idols SA judge when he was approached by Hastings in 2013 who gave him a rough idea of what the show is about but it had no clear direction.
“He could have copyrighted the idea right and sold it to anyone,” he said.
Somizi said they did not go ahead with the idea because there was no clear direction at the time, not knowing that several years later he would eventually start a career in cuisine.
Explaining how the idea of the show erupted from his side, he said that he originally wanted to start a YouTube channel but was contacted by Legend who said he should rather do a Television show,:
“So I started falling in love with cooking. Then I started my own YouTube Channel. Then Legend called and says no don’t do a cooking show, we’re gonna do a TV show right. Legend came with an idea, I did not like it…I want something that speaks to me, that is me.”
Trying to take the spotlight away from him, Somizi continues his IG Live by stating that this idea is not an original one and went on to further mention people with similar shows.
Somgaga also said:
“I did not steal anybody’s concept and I will never again claim I came up with an original concept. I was inspired by a whole lot of shows.”
Coming to his defence, Pearl Thusi pointed out that the e-mail was sent to Legend, the producer of the show, and that he should be the one accused of such.
She then asked Somizi if he and Hastings know each other on a personal level, he agreed but said “I know him…we’re not that close but I know him,” adding that Hastings should have contacted him privately to resolve the matter.
Somizi address Dinner At Somizi drama, he claims he never opened the email and they didn’t communicate with Hastings. pic.twitter.com/xvC45DOT4w
— Goodwill Thomo (@Goodwill_Thomo) September 17, 2020
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