South African actor Tumisho Masha has sparked debate by questioning why singer Kelly Khumalo continues to thrive in the public eye, despite being linked to the unresolved murder case of former soccer star Senzo Meyiwa. Speaking on the Engineer Your Life podcast hosted by Lungelo KM, Masha opened up about his personal struggles, including the impact of cancel culture, his divorces, and his long battle for redemption.
Legal Battles and Personal Redemption
In 2023, Masha achieved a significant legal victory when he regained access to his child following a prolonged court battle with his second ex-wife, Zozibini Mtonga. Reflecting on this triumph, he described how his life had been derailed by allegations and legal disputes since their separation.
“When I say I lost everything, I mean everything and more,” Masha shared. “I lost my home, my career, and even my reputation as a voice artist. Companies hesitated to work with me because of the allegations, even before anything was proven.”
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The Weaponization of GBV Allegations
Masha argued that gender-based violence (GBV) accusations are often used as a weapon against men, tarnishing their reputations before the facts are fully established. He recounted how his own case made front-page news when the accusations were made, yet there was no similar coverage when he was cleared of wrongdoing.
“There was no headline saying, ‘Tumisho Masha found not guilty.’ No apology, no retraction,” he stated, emphasizing how the stigma of such allegations lingers even after vindication.
Double Standards in Cancel Culture
Comparing his own experience to that of Kelly Khumalo, Masha questioned why the singer has not faced similar repercussions despite being a potential suspect in Meyiwa’s murder. He highlighted how Khumalo continues to secure high-profile gigs, endorsements, and television opportunities.
“Senzo Meyiwa was killed, yet the details remain unclear. There’s talk of Kelly Khumalo being charged, but she still thrives in her career. If the roles were reversed, Senzo would have been cancelled immediately. He wouldn’t be getting any endorsements or gigs,” Masha asserted.
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Societal Biases and the Presumption of Innocence
Masha attributed this disparity to societal biases and the selective application of the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” He believes that gender plays a significant role in how accusations and public perceptions are handled.
“The narrative changes depending on who is involved. Men are often presumed guilty until proven otherwise, while women benefit from leniency even in serious cases. This imbalance needs to be addressed,” he said.