Enhle Mbali apologises after controversial slur comment goes viral

Enhle Mbali

Cape Town – Actress and fashion designer Enhle Mbali has faced significant backlash following a controversial remark made during her speech at a Carlton Hair launch event.

Referring to her own hair as “k*ffir hare,” a term historically used as a racial slur, Mbali’s comment quickly went viral on social media, eliciting strong reactions from the public.

In response to the controversy, Mbali issued a public apology via Instagram, stating, “I am posting this video to express my heartfelt apology as a black South African woman, for offending members of the South African community during my speech, as that was far from my intention.

” She further explained that the term was commonly used in her community to reclaim and render the word’s historical humiliation untrue. Despite her explanation, many followers expressed dissatisfaction, with some commenting that her apology lacked depth and did not adequately address the offense caused.

Carlton Hair, the brand with which Mbali recently partnered as its first celebrity ambassador, also responded to the incident. The company released a statement condemning any form of ethnic derogation or self-deprecation, emphasising that such remarks do not align with their values.

They announced the immediate pause of all related promotional content featuring Mbali and initiated a review of their partnership guidelines to ensure future collaborations reflect their inclusivity standards.

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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele

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