Sasha Martinengo stands by his ‘monkey’ comment about Malema

Former Hot 91.9 FM breakfast show host Sasha Martinengo has doubled down on the allegedly racist comment that got him fired from the radio station earlier today.

Hot 91.9 FM’s managing director, Lloyd Madurai, released a statement around midday announcing that the station had “elected to remove Martinengo from all involvement with the radio station with immediate effect,” after the DJ referred to Julius Malema as a “monkey” live on air.

“This morning an unfortunate and completely unacceptable incident took place during the Breakfast Show whereby, during the course of the broadcast, a reference was made by anchor presenter, Sasha Martinengo, who said ‘[A]nd people still listen to this monkey,’ referring to Mr. Julius Malema,” the statement read, and went on to issue an apology to Malema.

Martinengo has taken to Twitter to say that he stands by the comments he made earlier in the day.

“I’m sorry if I offended anyone, but I stand by what I said,” Martinengo  tweeted. “Anyone, irrespective of their race, colour, creed, religion, gender who disrespects a woman is a monkey.”

I’m sorry if I offended anyone,but I stand by what I said.

Anyone, irrespective of their race, colour, creed , religion, gender who disrespects a woman is a monkey.

— F1sasha (@F1sasha) October 2, 2018

Martinengo’s comments have set off a Twitter blaze that is currently raging on the social media platform. As one would expect there are very few tweeps who are impressed with his comments.

Where have you been for the last couple of years Sasha?. With present situation in South Africa you should have known better. There is no defending your actions no matter which way you squirm. We are all human and make mistakes. Own up to it and apologise unreservedly.

— Wolverine (@BAMFBIKER) October 2, 2018

Bye bye bloody racist

— Aubrey Makgae (@phutiagric) October 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/darynhouse/status/1047086424485449728

I would definitely be reporting you to the HRC and encouraging my branch to lay charges against you

— Phaahle🇿🇦 (@PhaahleP) October 2, 2018

However, there are just as many who are leaping to his defence.

Good for you Sasha, stand for what you believe to be the truth, just because certain races don't use expletives and insults in public doesn't mean they're not racist, the just say and do things in a cowardly manner, every day, everywhere.

— denzil ganasen (@denzilganasen) October 2, 2018

Fully agree with everything you said. The station should be supporting you, not firing you.

— Mike Briggs (Ret.)#voetsekANC. (@mikefbriggs) October 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/marccoz69/status/1047082535740747777

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