So this is it. Somizi is off the airwaves and off TV.
This statement just in from M-Net:
M-Net and Mr Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols SA in light of the allegations made against him.
We have reached a mutual agreement that Mr Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved.
Viewers will still see Mr Mhlongo on their screens until Sunday, 22 August 2021, as the audition shows for Idols SA were pre-recorded.
As you know, Somizi's been accused of violent domestic abuse by his husband Mohale Motaung.
The details were revealed by Sunday World on Sunday (1 August), along with audio tapes of Mohale detailing his allegations.
Here's a link in case you've been hiding under a rock in the hope that you'll wake up in a new world >>
#MohaleConfessions: Somizi ‘threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife’
On Wednesday (4 August) the SABC issued a similar statement to M-Net in relation to Somizi's show on Metro FM, saying:
The SABC can confirm that Metro FM management met with Mr. Somizi Mhlongo and he has requested to take some time off from work. Management has granted Mr. Mhlongo permission to do so.
The Corporation has also noted the comments on social media about Mr. Mhlongo and we would like to point out that the public service broadcaster does not condone any acts of abuse and violence.
Earlier today Somizi released this statement on Instagram:
Somizi's exit from Idols means there's a coveted job up for grabs. The seat of a new judge.
What should happen next? Should guest judges replace him or one new judge take over?
If so, who?