Shashi Naidoo took to Instagram to apologise for her remarks
Shashi Naidoo took to Instagram to apologise for her remarks
TV personality and model Shashi Naidoo called Gaza a “shithole” in an Instagram post that lambasted Palestine over the weekend, which promptly lead to an apology shortly afterwards.
Naidoo aired her pro-Israeli views in great detail, before claiming that Palestinians teach their children to hate Jewish people and are “financially rewarded for murdering any Israeli citizens”.
The tirade was more than an “off-the-cuff” expression, yet Naidoo claims that she has very little to do with politics herself.
Look at these posts made by @SHASHINAIDOO on Instagram about Palestine. She also says Gaza is a “shithole.” Shashni has since apologized and deleted the posts. #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/nzYVs8J23D
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 16, 2018
Since making the controversial post, Naidoo has seen two of her sponsors end their association with her. As Channel 24 report, Glam Palm and Lil Jewels were some of the big-name companies that found her position untenable.
Her apology hasn’t been enough to win some people over. Even Fikile Mbalula himself has weighed in on the issue, expressing his disdain for the comments.
She must stick to gallavanting please …. Am sorry!!!
— ANC Elections Head (Chief) (@MbalulaFikile) June 16, 2018
Haibo and this apology video from Shashi Naidoo pic.twitter.com/rb8NIbpUDq
— Mkabayi Wasebukhosini ???? (@KINGAya_) June 16, 2018
“I am extremely sorry for the statements I have made, unfortunately, my comments came from very little knowledge of the political standing as I am not a political figure or even follow anything political.”
It comes at a particularly sensitive time regarding the situation in the Middle East. At least 60 Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers during protests against the US Embassy’s transfer to Jerusalem.
The incident received widespread international condemnation, and lead to South Africa withdrawing their ambassador to the country.
Last week, an official for the City of Johannesburg found herself suspended from local government after appearing at a pro-Israeli event.