Gareth Cliff sues M-Net for R25 million
FERNDALE – Former Idols SA judge Gareth Cliff believes he was unfairly dismissed by broadcaster M-Net.
Former Idols SA home judge Gareth Cliff is reportedly suing M-Net for R25 million for unfair dismissal and defamation. The broadcaster based in Ferndale announced on 8 January that Cliff will not be part of the judging panel for Idols SA season 12.
Cliff was officially fired by M-Net after he posted his opinion about the controversial statements made by estate agent Penny Sparrow on social media, who referred to black South Africans as monkeys.
The former Idols SA judge responded on Twitter to questions on whether to criminalise racist posts on social media. He went on to say that people don’t really understand free speech at all.
After he posted his remarks he trended on Twitter after a number of angry followers labelled him as a racist and called for him to be removed as an Idols SA judge. Some also threatened to boycott Idols.
Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo was embroiled in a Twitter war with followers last year for his racial remarks but was not suspended or fired.
According to media reports Cliff’s lawyer, Eric Mabuza, M-Net did not follow the proper procedure during his dismissal. Meanwhile, M-Net CEO Yolisa Phahle said, “M-Net can conform that a letter of demand was received from Gareth Cliff and we are currently consulting our lawyers. We will respond to the letter of demand in due course.”
The Idols nationwide auditions will take place at The Playhouse in Durban from the end of January, Pretoria at The State Theatre on 6 February, Johannesburg at Carnival City on 28 February and in Cape Town at Grand West Casino on 5 March.
