Twitter (@somizi)
Well-known entertainer and TV personality, Somizi Mhlongo, has denied physically and emotionally abusing his estranged husband, Mohale Motaung.
The Idols judge responded with a statement on his Instagram account on Friday following a series of serious allegations of abuse levelled against him by Motaung which made headlines this week.
In the shocking audio, published by SundayWorld, Motaung details how Mhlongo abused him emotionally and physically as early as three weeks into their relationship. He also alleged that Mhlongo prevented him from doing certain jobs for him to earn an independent income.
Somizi admitted that there was one altercation which he said both of them were physically hurt by each other.
The pair tied the knot in 2019 in an extravagant multi-million Rand wedding that was aired on the small screen for the country to witness.
However, their romance was short-lived after infidelity allegations surfaced last year and divorce rumours circulated in the media.
In his statement, Mhlongo said that in the past he has kept his love life private until his marriage to Motaung.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day have to defend my honour as a result of someone I have loved so deeply and so genuinely deliberately harming my reputation I’ve worked so hard to build,” he said.
Mhlongo’s media career has also been severely affected by the allegations leveled against him.
The SABC confirmed in a statement this week that the radio personality had requested to take time off his show on Metro Fm.
Mnet announced on Friday that a mutual agreement had been reached with Mhlongo who would be taking time off from the singing competition, Idols SA.
“Viewers will see Mr Mhlongo on their screens until Sunday, 22 August, as the audition shows were pre-recorded”.
Somizi called the allegations a smear campaign that has the potential to result in loss of income.
His estranged husband has not released a statement yet however he has received support on social media under the hashtag #IbelieveMohale.
