Ashley Ogle Declines SASMA Awards And Social Media Is Not Happy
Ashley Brylinn Ogle, one of South Africa’s most talked-about social media personalities, set social media ablaze after her dramatic decision at the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) in Johannesburg. The event, designed to celebrate digital influencers and online creativity, turned into a whirlwind of confusion and criticism thanks to Ogle’s unconventional approach to winning.
Despite securing two major awards, Popular Hashtag of the Year and Emerging Social Media Personality of the Year, Ogle refused to accept them. Her reasoning? She had hoped to sweep all three of the awards she was nominated for, but the third went to her ex-partner. The former Big Brother 2024 contestant rose to prominence during the show, especially due to her on-screen relationship with the season’s winner, Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane, famously known as Sweet Guluva. Even after their breakup, initiated by Guluva, Ogle has remained a fixture in South Africa’s digital landscape.
@twitchclips9189 Ashley Ogle throws shade at the Sasma Awards #openchatspodcast #ashleyogle #alabuga #tiktoksouthafrica #fyp ♬ original sound – user25471657849
A Career Built on Authenticity and Controversy
Post-Big Brother, Ogle has built a thriving online presence, particularly on YouTube, sharing content that is unfiltered and authentic. While her genuine approach has won her a dedicated fan base, her outspoken nature has sometimes landed her in hot water. Notably, her controversial remarks about a fellow Big Brother contestant who was a rape survivor alienated a portion of her followers, reminding fans that her bold opinions often spark debate.
At SASMA, Ogle’s stage appearances were equally polarizing. When receiving her first award, she remarked that she didn’t feel she should accept an award her fans didn’t believe she deserved, hinting that her supporters deserved more recognition.
Her second appearance, however, left the audience bewildered. She took the stage, held the trophy, and said:
“I did say if I don’t get three of three, this award belongs to anyone. So I’m about to leave it here, you guys. Thank you so much.”
She then placed the award on stage and walked off, leaving attendees and fans alike stunned.
@editsbystarr__ Oh SweetAshley 😔❤ #bbmzansi #bigbrothermzansi #fyp #sweetguluva #ashleyogle #sweetashley #Thousandyears ♬ suono originale – sophia ★
Social Media Reacts
As expected, the reaction online was swift and divided, though mostly critical. Many fans felt confused and frustrated by her actions.
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Deegirl💋 questioned her motives: “Why did she even attend the event though if she didn’t want to accept the award??”
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Tshepang Tsolo expressed disappointment: “We not voting her again.”
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Sister Gee added: “Exactly… Her attitude speaks volumes.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the challenges faced by influencers who straddle the line between authenticity and accountability in the public eye.
@kgalalelo.tlhoael Ashley Ogle didn’t accept her award at the SASMAs… and the room went SILENT. #SASMA #AshleyOgle #Awards #SASMAs2025 #Trending ♬ original sound – Kgalalelo Tlhoaele
A Larger Conversation About Recognition and Ego
Ogle’s SASMA snub isn’t just about awards, it’s about expectations, fan loyalty, and the pressures of being a public figure in South Africa’s highly connected social media landscape. While some admire her commitment to her principles, others see it as a display of ego over gratitude.
What remains clear is that Ashley Ogle knows how to command attention, both on and off the stage. Whether this stunt affects her future fan support or solidifies her status as a fearless social media personality, one thing is certain: she’ll continue to make headlines.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@BhunganeSiphesi}
