The Open Chats Podcast controversy erupted when a viral clip surfaced, exposing offensive remarks by hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama about South Africa’s Coloured community. The Open Chats Podcast controversy has drawn significant attention due to the inflammatory nature of the comments.
Specifically, the hosts made baseless claims implying incest and mental health issues within Coloured families, sparking widespread condemnation.
Consequently, the clip was swiftly removed. However, the backlash grew stronger, as social media users demanded the podcast’s cancellation from platforms like YouTube and Spotify. This incident highlights the sensitivity of racial discourse in South Africa intertwined with the Open Chats Podcast controversy.
Political Leaders Take Action
In response, Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie condemned the remarks as “blatant racism” and vowed to pursue legal action.
“We must never allow people to become that comfortable,” he stated, pointing to perceived double standards in addressing racial slurs.
Meanwhile, the PA filed criminal charges at Brooklyn police station in Pretoria, led by councillor Liam Jacobs. Similarly, the Democratic Alliance (DA) reported the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for a hate speech investigation, escalating the issue further.
Podcast’s Response Falls Short
Subsequently, the Open Chats Podcast issued a public apology on social media, stating:
“The intention was never to cause harm or disrespect the Coloured community.”
Moreover, the team promised a follow-up episode to promote respectful dialogue. Nevertheless, groups like Cape Forum rejected the apology as inadequate and demanded a thorough SAHRC inquiry to address the harm caused by the remarks, reflecting ongoing tensions linked to the Open Chats Podcast controversy.
Community and Celebrity Backlash
As a result, the controversy has reignited debates about the marginalisation of South Africa’s Coloured community. For example, comedian Marc Lottering sharply criticised the hosts, calling their remarks “disgusting” and urging accountability.
Likewise, social media users echoed this sentiment, with many calling for boycotts and platform removals. Ultimately, this incident underscores the urgent need for responsible content creation in a diverse society, as public discourse continues to grapple with the fallout from the Open Chats Podcast controversy.
