Actress Thuli Phongolo and her rumoured boyfriend, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, also known as DJ Maphorisa, released a statement yesterday following an alleged assault altercation on 7 May 2023.
The two celebrities had not publicly addressed this matter until the release of the joint statement. DJ Maphorisa was however arrested on the day in question and later released on bail of R4000.
Thuli and Phori, as many people call them, had never confirmed their relationship, even though videos of them dancing cosy at their DJ gigs circulated, further sparking the rumour.
The released statement, which was posted on both their social media accounts, reads:
“Miss Thuli (“Phongolo) and Mr Themba Sekowe (“Sekowe”) note the reports that have been shared across various media platforms regarding an incident that occurred between the parties on Sunday, 7 May 2023.”
“Being public figures, it is unavoidable that the public, media, and their respective commercial partners all have an interest in this matter. Accordingly, they have decided to release this joint statement as the official and exclusive statement in the matter.”
The statement further reads, ” The matter has received mixed public attention, causing a great deal of emotional stress on both parties involved. It is on this basis that the parties have since elected to resolve this matter privately through their respective management and legal teams. Consequently, Phongolo has since withdrawn the charges laid against Sekowe at the SAPS, Sandton Station.”
“Both parties have noted with concern, the disparaging, defamatory, and (in some instances) untrue remarks, statements, and reports emanating from the incident and view these in a serious light. The parties reserve their rights to individually pursue legal action against persons making defamatory and/or false statements in relation to this matter.”
“It is the desire of both parties to return to their respective fields of work following the now concluded private resolution of this matter. Neither of the parties have any intention to allow this private matter to impact their respective, or the other party’s brand and professional interests. They request the public to give them the time and space to return to their work unhindered.”
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