Former 7de Laan actor David James has officially issued another apology to his former colleague Brenda Ngxoli for the use of an alleged racial slur.
Earlier this week, the actress who worked alongside David on the Apartheid-era film Sew the Winter to My Skin in 2017 took to social media to share how she was called the K-word by the actor.
In her post, she wrote:
“When shooting this film, I was called K**ir meit by a fellow white actor… David James is his name.”
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Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with local publication The South African, David gave his version of the story and shared his deepest regrets on what unfolded.
In response to the allegations, he explained:
“Travelling back from set one night, we were engaged in discussion in the cast vehicle about the political era and setting of the script, our respective characters and together, we reflected on racial epithets.
“The next morning, there was a mutuak banter between Ms Ngxoli and me, both of us using some of these pejorative phases (which included the K word) in mutual understanding of our facetiousness.”
Following this exchange, he explained that he was later called to a meeting to address complaints by the actress. The meeting included the producer, director, assistant director, and Brenda.
“After a comprehensive discussion surrounding the specific events related above, I realized that my conduct was seen as offensive and inappropriate.
“I immediately and unreserved apologised to Ms Ngxoli and the producers. After the discussion, Ms Ngxoli and I shook hands.”
With the news of this ordeal surfacing again, David says that he has not had contact with Brenda ever since and issued yet another apology, writing:
“I am sorry that this regrettable incident still haunts her seven years later. I state unequivocally that I invite any further investigation of this incident by any competent authority, including the Human Rights Commission.”
Also see: Zwai Bala falls victim to racism in Gordon’s Bay