Gareth Cliff removed from SA Idols judging panel
M-Net made the announcement last night in a statement, where it thanked the radio DJ for his role.
JOHANNESBURG - Gareth Cliff will not be part of the judging panel for South African Idols season 12, which is due to commence with countrywide auditions at the end of this month.
M-Net made the announcement late last night in a statement, where it thanked the radio DJ for the critical role he has played in seeking out and developing new talent over the years and for contributing to the success of the show to date.
Cliff came under fire earlier this week, when he weighed in on the Penny Sparrow saga after the former estate agent called black beachgoers at Durban's beaches, monkeys.
In a tweet - Cliff wrote that "people don't understand free speech at all".
He's received criticism for the comment, with many labeling him a racist. He later apologized, saying he in no way condones racism and has a lot to learn.
REACTION
Black people please send those CV's some vacancies need to be filled asap lol. Bye Gareth #GarethCliff
— Phunyuka bemphethe (@KhayaSebiloane) January 9, 2016
When monkeys go bananas over you #GarethCliff ku bird pic.twitter.com/CfpQnxtGBl
— Asanda Nzwaki Geleba (@Byondblaq) January 9, 2016
@Mngxitama You promised to fight for our land but now you are busy fighting against @GarethCliff , Hands off #GarethCliff
— Sanele Sano Ngcobo (@sanosanele) January 9, 2016
#IdolsSA will b boring without #GarethCliff ai
— Boithatelo β (@thingaskosana) January 9, 2016
Consumers can control who stays in power. #StandardBank must be watching trends #GarethCliff vs ChrisHart - #Revenue #Happyconsumers
— Vanessa Perumal (@vanessaperumal) January 9, 2016
Gareth has fallenπππππππππCan Mnet get us Anele Mdoda pleaseπππππ #IDOLSSA #GarethCliff
— Kgarebe Ya MoPediπ (@PiletsoT) January 9, 2016