DJ Fresh, real name Thato Sikwane has released a statement regarding sexual assault claims made against him. Taking to his Twitter on Tuesday, the DJ says that after being in the entertainment industry for two decades he considered himself a voice for the unheard.
“I have faced all manner of false accusations from anonymous and identified parties; to which I have rarely responded. The current allegations are false and without basis,” he says responding to the claims made by an ex-lover of 18-years-ago. – DJ Fresh.
He also says that he had never looked away from taking responsibility for his actions and didn’t plan on starting now.
“So now I must fear for my life? Really? Okay…I’m too poor to be sued, remember I didn’t make enough money cos I’ve been unstable for 18-years…,” Penny Lebyane.
DJ Fresh says the allegations have been made and published, recklessly. The fight against Gender-Based Violence is one of the biggest battles in our country and it saddens him that the focus is being shifted from the real issues and perpetrators.
“I have consistently used the platforms of influence that I am afforded to take a stand against Gender-Based Violence,” says DJ Fresh.
He also says that he has supported initiatives in this area (Gender-Based Violence), motivated by the wish for a safe country for women and children, and the public at large.
“I am, and will, remain committed to this cause. As for the statements made by someone I had a relationship with over 18 years ago, they are without merit and denied,” he concludes, warning that he’s not in a position to comment further on the matter and that it has been referred to his legal representatives.
DJ Fresh released the communication after being implicated in a controversial (AmINext) Twitter thread, claiming that he sexually violated a woman 18-years-ago.
We are not sure who is this ex of 18-years ago but radio personality Penny Lebyane tweeted saying that 18-years is a long time.
“If you were 17-years old when it happened now you are professional career women, probably married with children or with another man who doesn’t want to hear it or colleagues, friends who cringe about it. Let go they all say because you are the unstable one… So don’t expect victims to say “me too”.
“…No one takes on famous men and win. Famous men have rights that no one has, they are allowed to be bad as long as they’re discreet they have a PR machine to cover for them…,” those are some of Penny’s tweets.
The list was fueled following the public outcry for women’s safety after the brutal murder and rape of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a 19-year-old University of Cape Town, first-year Film and Media student.
See the full statement below.
MGOSI.co.za
