Mihlali Ndamase who now goes by the name “Hot Topic” on social media. Has been making headlines on the trends lists, ever since it became public knowledge that she and businessman Leeroy Sidambe are an item.
The beauty influencer has come under public scrutiny as a result of her relationship, some have even labelled her a home-wrecker. This is due to the fact that many thought or still think that Leeroy is supposedly married.
However, in a statement released on his official Twitter account Sidambe said he fell in love with Mihlali after his separation with his estranged wife, Mary Jane.
“In March of this year, after many months of trying to make things work, I took steps towards a separation from my marriage and marital home – whilst still maintaining access to my [two] children. According to my understanding, and that conveyed by my lawyers, this meant that my estranged wife and I were free to live our lives as we saw fit. Free to move on in whatever manner we chose, as single individuals,” reads the statement.
“In this time, I met a woman that I fell in love with. It has been heartbreaking to see her name dragged daily on social media for loving me boldly.”
Sidambe said that the harassment Ndamase receives is “unbearable” and “not safe for anyone’s mental well-being.”
“I can no longer turn a blind eye to the effect cyberbullying has had on her. The constant defaming of those who work in the public space has to stop,” he wrote.
During an exclusive interview with Kaya FM on Monday, Mihlali finally addressed the backlash she has received. “There’s just been a lot of talk and I’m like since I’m the hot topic let me own it,” she told Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka.
She goes on to say that “everyone is entitled to having their own opinions. That’s what you sign up for when you are in the public space. They are allowed to share and talk. “
Mihlali believes her work speaks for itself and there is no need for her to be worried about any brands pulling out as a result of backlash on social media.
“I’m glad that I came into this space at a point where I was just about sharing my craft and that’s what it’s always been about. My personal life has nothing to do with my business.“I don’t seek validation from people. Especially in that aspect. I really try and not let their opinions get to me and also, I feel like I’ve built a successful business at this point. Outside of all the noise and I’m just going to keep on going.”
Sol Phenduka asked Mihlali about the negative PR she has received and how has it affected her brand. Her response was that she believes to a certain extent it can have a negative effect. Especially because she is also a brand herself.
“I do believe that there is to an extent. Because at the end of the day things that are said can have a bit of harm on your brand. But at the same time, it all depends on what you have established your brand on. Especially if your work speaks for itself and whatever it is that people are trying has nothing to do with how you’ve established your brand. Then it’s just going to be PR at the end.”
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The influencer also mentioned that she has had conversations with the brands she works with about this. As there has been no wrongdoing on her part.
“I’ve had conversations with my brands and I haven’t done anything harmful at the end spoken ill of anything.
“Treat women better. Stop killing and stop abusing women, and stop raping women. There’s nothing wrong with consensual sex – you guys shame women for having consensual sex but at the same time you guys want to strip that away from women when it suits you.
And I think respect women. Women are nurturers. They empower people and they give so much love so can you do the same for us.”
Her partner, Leeroy, has also issued a statement confirming that he has separated from his wife. He said that after months of trying to make things work. He “took steps toward a separation” from his marriage and marital home.
Let us hope that this has cleared the air for many people, and for the couple to enjoy their relationship in peace!