Sasha Martinengo’s ‘monkey’ comment causes a stir

Radio Host Sasha Martinengo has been fired from Hot 91.9FM as the breakfast show host. This follows his reference to Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) leader Julius Malema as ‘monkey’ on air.

In a statement, the radio station said Martinengo’s comments violated the company’s code of conduct and he has been removed from any involvement with the station. The station has since apologised for Martinengo’s comments, however, in a tweet, the radio host said he stood by his comments and was sorry if he offended anyone.

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

The comments have received backlash on Twitter in addition to the EFF planning to lay a criminal charge against Martinengo.

Twitter reacts to Sasha Martinengo’s comment:

#SashaMartinengo Another Monkey story? Another one?! Brah! How difficult is it to NOT use that word? I don’t understand. You KNOW you’re gonna get fired. There r SO many other words. Call him donkey, ass, goat, amoeba, skunk, Cockroach, inland taipan, maggot, tadpole…

— Dr Riaad Moosa – Comedian (@RiaadMoosa) October 2, 2018

In what context did #SashaMartinengo refer to Julius Malema as a monkey? Bc his apology infers that Juju disrespects women, and that is why he and anyone else who does is a monkey.

— Taurus (@nkulichana_) October 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/Bongii_Shezi/status/1047132090364583936

#SashaMartinengo
Lol. This country will never know peace. If it's not the scourges of violence against women and children, it's racism. Then political drama. Weak economy. Unemployment. This. That.

— It's Vuyo 🇷🇺 🇵🇸 (@OhFlipItsVuyo) October 2, 2018

Context is irrelevant. Calling a black South Africans monkeys has derogatory connotations that remind us of our painful past.#SashaMartinengo

— Aubrey (@Aubreychiibi) October 2, 2018